French authorities have arrested 25 individuals across the country following a series of coordinated attacks on prisons that have raised national alarm. According to a source close to the investigation, the early morning raids took place in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux.
Earlier this month, unknown attackers targeted multiple prisons, setting cars ablaze, firing automatic weapons at a facility entrance, and leaving cryptic messages. The assaults embarrassed President Emmanuel Macron’s government and drew strong responses from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, both of whom have vowed a tougher stance on drug crime.
Anti-terror prosecutors, now leading the investigation due to the organized nature of the attacks, confirmed 22 initial arrests with three more later in the day. Some suspects were reportedly already behind bars and were extracted for interrogation. The operation involved nearly 200 investigators.
Authorities believe the attacks are linked to serious organized crime, possibly connected to France’s drug trafficking networks. Investigators have identified at least 15 incidents between April 13 and 21, though more cases are under review.
Darmanin thanked law enforcement on social media, emphasizing France’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and supporting its justice system. He previously proposed transferring 200 of the country’s most dangerous drug traffickers to high-security prisons, a plan that may have triggered the violent backlash.
One notable attack occurred on April 13 in Agen, where the acronym “DDPF” (Rights of French Prisoners) was spray-painted near cars set ablaze at a prison training center. Other incidents followed, including gunfire at a prison near Toulon.
While many of the attacks suggest the involvement of organized crime, some tactics appear to reflect far-left activism, according to police.
The arrests come as French lawmakers prepare to vote on new legislation targeting drug trafficking.
