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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

France to seize drug users’ phones in crackdown on prison attacks

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, right, visits the penitentiary centre of Alencon-Conde-sur-Sarthe, in Conde-sur-Sarthe, northwestern France, on 17 February 2025. AFP - JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER

France will start seizing drug users’ phones across the country as part of a crackdown on gangs blamed for a wave of prison attacks. The move expands a trial in Bayonne aimed at stopping deals made through encrypted messaging apps.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said the plan was based on work by prosecutors in Bayonne, southwest France, where phones used for drug transactions have already been seized.

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