Paris, January 30, 2026 – The Europe Today: French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a “massive” overhaul of France’s fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, emphasizing the need for stricter controls at ports and airports, which he described as key entry points for illicit networks.
Speaking on Thursday at a high-level meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron said France must adopt a “change of scale” in its response to drug trafficking. According to the presidency, a comprehensive national anti-drug plan is expected to be unveiled within a month, media reports said.
The president stressed that ports and airports require stronger state intervention, noting that recent operations in French Guiana had delivered positive results and should be adapted and extended to other regions. He also announced that “swift operations” would be launched in mainland France in the coming days, while reinforced security measures would continue across overseas territories.
Highlighting the “specific challenges” faced by the French West Indies, particularly Martinique, Macron called for a “total and massive” mobilization of additional human and technical resources. He instructed ministers to submit concrete proposals within a month and requested an emergency plan for the archipelagos, including enhanced regional cooperation with partners in North and South America.
The Elysee Palace said Macron is expected to visit the French West Indies in the coming months as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s response on the ground.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to dismantling drug cartels, Macron said the state is deploying all available means to combat organized crime. He added that measures included in a draft law on everyday security must be robust and effective. The bill is being spearheaded by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
