France Shaken by Deadly Prison Van Ambush Amid Escalating Drug War

In a series of coordinated overnight assaults, multiple prisons across France were targeted with arson and gunfire, leaving vehicles torched and prison staff deeply shaken. Authorities have linked the violence to the government's intensifying crackdown on drug trafficking.​

Seven correctional facilities were hit in the orchestrated attacks, including those in Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Valence, Nîmes, Villepinte, and Nanterre. One of the most severe incidents occurred in Toulon, where automatic gunfire struck the prison's entrance gate. In several locations, vehicles belonging to prison staff were set ablaze, and the acronym "DDPF" (Droits des Prisonniers Français – Rights of French Prisoners) was spray-painted nearby, suggesting a coordinated effort.​

The FO Justice prison workers' union voiced outrage, calling the incidents “exceptionally grave.” In a statement, the union expressed its “profound concern and anger,” sharing images of burnt-out vehicles and bullet-damaged infrastructure. “It is troubling to see that some individuals no longer hesitate to directly assault state property, a symbol of public authority,” the statement read. The union demanded urgent measures to safeguard prison staff.​

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin denounced the attacks as “acts of intimidation” and linked them to recent efforts to dismantle drug networks. “We are confronting the issue of drug trafficking head-on,” he posted on X, adding that the government’s actions “will deeply destabilize” criminal organisations. He announced plans to visit Toulon to show support for impacted prison personnel.​

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also vowed a forceful response, declaring on X: “Those who attack prisons and officers belong in those prisons, watched over by those same officers.” He confirmed that police forces had been instructed to bolster security across all correctional sites.​

The latest assaults follow a similar attack on Sunday, when seven vehicles were set on fire at France’s national school for prison administration. Authorities discovered the initials “DDPF” on some of the damaged vehicles. Le Parisien also reported anarchist slogans at several targeted locations, raising suspicions of a broader coordinated effort. AFP, citing a source close to the investigation, stated that the attacks were “clearly connected” to the government’s aggressive anti-drug strategy.​

The violence comes as French lawmakers debate new legislation that would establish a special prosecutor’s office for drug-related crimes. If passed, the measure would expand investigative powers and streamline efforts to dismantle narcotics networks nationwide.​

No injuries have been reported in the attacks, but the incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of prison staff and the escalating boldness of criminal networks in France.​