France is set to construct a €400 million high-security prison in the Amazon jungle of French Guiana, aiming to isolate the country’s most dangerous criminals, including drug lords and Islamist extremists. The facility, inspired by the notorious Devil’s Island penal colony, will house 500 inmates in ultra-high security conditions. Set to open by 2028 in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, the prison aims to sever inmates’ links to criminal networks and intensify national efforts against drug trafficking. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin spearheaded the initiative following alarming incidents, the 2023 escape of Mohamed Amra, mafia-style jail attacks, and increasing criminal dominance within French prisons. French Guiana, a major cocaine transit hub, plays a central role in the trafficking network. In response, Darmanin also seeks international collaboration, recently negotiating a treaty with Brazil and planning visits to Colombia and Peru. This prison is part of France’s broader campaign against crime and immigration, critical issues ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement has provoked strong backlash from local officials and residents. Scheduled for completion by 2028, the facility will house 500 inmates, including spaces specifically allocated for Islamic militants and drug traffickers. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that the high-security wing aims to isolate criminal networks. However, officials in French Guiana expressed shock and outrage, noting they were not consulted in advance. Critics, including Jean-Paul Fereira and Parliament member Jean-Victor Castor, condemned the move as a disrespectful echo of French Guiana’s colonial penal history, particularly the infamous Devil’s Island. They argue the facility contradicts previous agreements made in 2017, which intended a general prison to relieve existing overcrowding. The proposal is seen as disregarding local governance and imposing unwanted burdens by housing criminals from mainland France. Calls have been made for the French government to reevaluate and retract its plans.
The construction of this prison marks a significant shift in France’s approach to combating organized crime and drug trafficking. By relocating high-risk offenders to a remote location, the government aims to disrupt criminal operations and prevent inmates from orchestrating illegal activities from within the prison system. However, the plan has raised concerns about its potential impact on local communities and the environment. As the project progresses, it will be essential to address these issues to ensure that the initiative achieves its objectives without causing unintended harm.
