Coordinated Attacks on French Prisons: Arson, Gunfire, and Threats Amid Crackdown on Drug Trafficking

On the night of Monday April 14 to Tuesday April 15, several French prisons were targeted in what appears to be a series of coordinated attacks. Cars were set on fire, automatic gunfire was reported, and threatening graffiti appeared near detention centers—highlighting growing tensions between the French state and organized crime networks.

In Toulon, the front gate of the La Farlède prison was struck by 15 rounds from a Kalashnikov rifle. In Luynes, Valence, Villepinte, Nanterre, Nîmes, Réau, and Marseille, multiple vehicles—belonging to prison staff—were deliberately torched. Graffiti was found nearby, with messages such as “DDPF” (Droits des prisonniers français, or Rights of French Prisoners), “DDFM,” and “DDPM” tagged on walls and cars.

At the National School of Prison Administration (ENAP) in Agen, seven vehicles were burned. Witnesses in several locations reported masked individuals, sometimes arriving on scooters, using flammable liquids to ignite cars. Gasoline canisters were found at the scenes. In Valence, a masked suspect was seen fleeing. In Agen, four individuals were spotted setting fire to the cars, and one suspect has been taken into custody, according to police sources.

Government Response: Condemnation and Security Reinforcement

France’s National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation, considering the symbolic and coordinated nature of the attacks. According to a source close to the case, these acts may be a reaction from criminal networks to recent government policies, including the creation of new high-security prisons. Facilities in Vendin-le-Vieil and Condé-sur-Sarthe are being prepared to house the 100 to 200 most dangerous drug traffickers in the country starting in July.

In response, top officials have spoken out. On X, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the violence as “acts of intimidation,” stating:

“The Republic is under threat from drug trafficking, and it is taking bold steps that will deeply disrupt criminal networks. France will stand firm.”

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also expressed support for prison personnel and ordered immediate reinforcements of security around prison facilities:

“Those attacking our prisons deserve to end up inside them, watched over by the very agents they try to intimidate.”

This Tuesday afternoon, the Justice Minister is expected in Toulon to personally express his solidarity with prison staff. Earlier in the day, prison officers there staged a protest by blocking the facility and enforcing a minimum-service operation, limiting inmate activity to essential services only.