France obtains freeze on Dubai properties linked to drug trafficking

Where Diplomacy Meets News

France obtains freeze on Dubai properties linked to drug trafficking, minister says

November 20, 2025

PARIS,— French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said Wednesday that the United Arab Emirates has agreed to seize roughly 40 high-end apartments and villas in Dubai that investigators believe are tied to drug trafficking operations in France.

According to Darmanin, the properties were purchased by suspected traffickers with cash or various cryptocurrencies, and the action forms part of ongoing judicial cooperation between Paris and Abu Dhabi on cross border narcotics cases.

In a message posted on the social platform X, Darmanin said French authorities have already secured the extradition of 14 individuals described as major traffickers from the UAE this year.

He added that France has requested the arrest and extradition of about 15 additional suspects identified as highly dangerous.

He said it was unacceptable that people accused of building significant wealth from illegal narcotics activity could continue to benefit from those assets.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said Tuesday that France is strengthening enforcement against drug networks inside the country while also expanding international coordination.

Speaking in the southern port city of Marseille, Nunez addressed reporters following what officials believe to be a mob linked killing last week.

He described the killing as an act meant to intimidate those working to confront drug related violence and the criminal groups behind it.

(With files from Reuters)