In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, French customs officials uncovered 13 tons of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk in February, marking a record seizure. The drugs, which were concealed within legitimate cargo containers, were intended for distribution not only within France but also to other countries outside the European Union. This operation is part of a broader strategy to counteract the growing challenges of drug smuggling into Europe.

The seizure involved three separate operations carried out in February, where customs agents intercepted 1.9 tons on February 7, 8.4 tons on February 12, and another 2.8 tons on February 18. According to David Amiel, the Minister for Public Accounts, the retail value of this confiscated cocaine is estimated to be around 865 million euros. This operation underscores the persistent threat posed by narcotraffic, particularly in gateway ports like Dunkirk, which authorities are increasingly targeting for interception.

The uncovering of such a large quantity of drugs comes on the heels of a record year in 2025, during which 84.3 tons of cocaine were confiscated by authorities. Laurent Nunez, during a briefing at the Élysée Palace regarding narcotraffic, highlighted the ongoing efforts and successes of customs officials. These efforts reflect not just a national concern but an international challenge in stopping the influx of illegal drugs into Europe, suggesting that the battle against drug trafficking is far from over.