French prisons hit by wave of overnight attacks | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Prison attacks in France
• Government crackdown on drug trafficking
• Drug baron escape and recapture
• Infiltration of drug gangs into prison staff
• Creation of a special high-security prison
• France as a major consumer of illegal drugs
• International drug trafficking networks
• Extradition efforts of drug barons

Prison Attacks and Government Response

A number of prisons in France, including those in Marseilles and Tulong, were targeted overnight. The Justice Minister is taking the incidents very seriously and is visiting the prisons to assess the situation. These attacks are reportedly seen as a response to the government's crackdown on drug trafficking. Incidents included cars being set alight in prison car parks and gunfire being heard in Tulong.

Drug Baron Escape and Security Concerns

The government's heightened concern stems from an incident last year where a drug baron was freed by a gang using machine guns during transport between jail and the courthouse. The attack, which occurred at a toll booth on the motorway, resulted in the deaths of two prison officers and injuries to three others. The drug baron was later recaptured in Romania earlier this year.

Infiltration of Prison Staff

A recent parliamentary report revealed that drug gangs had infiltrated the recruitment process of prison officers, effectively placing drug members within the prison staff.

Creation of a High-Security Prison

In response to these security concerns, the French government is creating a special prison in the Normandy area for the 200 most dangerous inmates in France. This prison, scheduled to open at the end of the summer, aims to keep these prisoners under strict lock and key, limiting their communication with the outside world and enhancing monitoring.

France's Drug Problem and International Networks

France is identified as the biggest consumer of illegal drugs in Europe. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the real drug barons who run these groups are primarily based abroad in North Africa, the Middle East, and even Thailand. Drugs are washing ashore in port cities like Tulong and Marseilles, coming from Spain and North Africa.

Government Strategy and Extradition Efforts

The government is tackling the drug problem from the "bottom up," focusing on small dealers. However, efforts are underway to extradite the major drug barons from countries like North Africa, Dubai, and Thailand to bring them to justice in France. A special task force of judges is working on these extradition efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• "[The Justice Minister is] taking this very seriously" - Chris Brockman, referring to the government's response to the prison attacks.

Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Drug baron: A high-ranking leader in a drug trafficking organization.
• Extradition: The legal process by which one country transfers a person accused or convicted of a crime to another country for trial or punishment.

Logical Connections:

The attacks on prisons are linked to the government's crackdown on drug trafficking. The drug baron escape and the infiltration of prison staff highlight the severity of the security issues. The creation of a high-security prison is a direct response to these security concerns. The international nature of drug trafficking complicates the government's efforts to combat the problem.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The prison attacks in France underscore the challenges the government faces in combating drug trafficking. The situation is complicated by the international nature of the drug trade, the infiltration of drug gangs into the prison system, and the need to secure high-risk inmates. The government is responding with increased security measures, targeted law enforcement, and efforts to extradite drug barons from abroad.