French drug law has just been substantially reinforced — a new national anti-trafficking prosecutor’s office began operating in 2025.
The core provisions governing narcotics offences, with penalties scaled to the role played and the presence of an organised group.
Supplying drugs for personal use carries up to 5 years, distinctly lighter than full trafficking offences.
Standard trafficking (up to 10 years) rises to 30 years where committed by an organised criminal group, and a life sentence for group leaders.
Created PNACO, a dedicated national prosecutor’s office, and expanded TRACFIN reporting requirements including to crypto-asset mixers used to launder trafficking proceeds.
Standard trafficking carries up to 10 years, rising to 30 years for organised-group offences, and a life sentence for those who lead or organise a trafficking network.
It created a new National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (PNACO) and extended money-laundering reporting obligations to cover crypto-asset mixers.
No — supplying drugs for personal use carries up to 5 years, a materially lighter track than full trafficking offences.
Speak with us confidentially before your next hearing or deadline.