2024-11-17 09:00:00
Jean-Francois Ricard, in Paris, March 20, 2024. JOEL SAGET/AFP
At the head of the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) from 2019 to 2024, Jean-François Ricard defends the creation of a national organized crime prosecutor’s office with very different objectives and functioning, to respond to the specificities of drug trafficking. “We need decentralization (…)coordination. (…) And someone who decidessupports the magistrate.
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What do you think of the plan to fight drug trafficking, announced Friday November 8 by the Ministers of the Interior and Justice?
We can be pleased that the government is taking up the subject, especially since the previous government had left an analysis on the matter on its desk. The judicial system has fallen behind. It must be filled. The project remained to be constructed, based on the work carried out over several years at the chancellery, the senatorial report on drug trafficking and the consultation work carried out in my report. There is an undeniable urgency. But we remain unsatisfied with the precision of the content of the ads.
You are the author of a report on the creation of a national anti-organized crime prosecutor’s office. Do you find your measures in the ministers’ announcements?
I am the writer of the report, but it is a summary of all the interviews I conducted. It is a joint construction. I started with a blank sheet of paper. I didn’t know what my colleagues were going to tell me. There were a lot of reflections, and a lot of contributions from magistrates: some proposed a national jurisdiction, others a general prosecutor’s office… I had only one conviction: above all, do not reproduce what exists in terms of terrorism.
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Why is the model of the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office – which you led from its creation, in 2019, until spring 2024 – not, in your opinion, adaptable to the fight against drug trafficking?
This comes back to the question of the differences between organized crime and terrorism. Before the creation of the PNAT, some wanted a prosecutor’s office with dual jurisdiction, terrorism and organized crime. But it is a very bad idea: it does not correspond at all to the same operation, neither concerning offenders nor magistrates. Certainly, there are common techniques, common means, for example in terms of digital investigations. But these are two very different areas.
What are the main differences between the fight against terrorism and that against organized crime?
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How does Jean-François Ricard suggest improving coordination among law enforcement agencies to effectively combat drug trafficking at local and national levels?
**Interview with Jean-François Ricard on Tackling Drug Trafficking in France**
**Editor:** Jean-François Ricard, thank you for joining us today. As the former head of the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office and now a key voice in discussing organized crime in France, you have been vocal about the need for a national organized crime prosecutor’s office. What are your thoughts on the recent plan to combat drug trafficking announced by the Ministers of the Interior and Justice?
**Jean-François Ricard:** Thank you for having me. I think it’s commendable that the government is finally addressing drug trafficking, a pressing issue that was unfortunately neglected in the past. The judicial system has indeed fallen behind and needs significant reform. While I appreciate the government’s recognition of the urgency of the situation, I find myself somewhat unsatisfied with the lack of detail in their announcements. We need a comprehensive strategy that reflects the complexities of drug trafficking.
**Editor:** You mentioned the need for decentralization and coordination in your statements. Could you elaborate on why this is crucial when addressing organized crime?
**Jean-François Ricard:** Absolutely. Drug trafficking is not a uniform issue; it manifests differently across regions and cities. Decentralization allows local prosecutors to tailor their approach to specific challenges in their areas, enhancing responsiveness and effectiveness. Coordination is key to ensuring that all parts of the judicial system, including police and local authorities, work together seamlessly. Moreover, having a clear decision-maker to support magistrates can streamline the process and make interventions more decisive.
**Editor:** In your report, what specific measures did you propose for the creation of a national anti-organized crime prosecutor’s office? Did you see any of these reflected in the ministers’ recent announcements?
**Jean-François Ricard:** In my report, I advocated for a dedicated body with specialized resources to tackle organized crime, particularly drug trafficking. This would include training, increased manpower, and a focused mandate to combat the intricacies of these criminal networks. As for the ministers’ announcements, while they acknowledge some of the key issues we’ve been discussing, I’m still waiting to see those concrete measures materialize in their plans. The devil is in the details, and until we see a robust operational strategy, we can’t be assured of real progress.
**Editor:** with the urgency you’ve mentioned, what steps do you believe should be prioritized to initiate immediate action against drug trafficking in France?
**Jean-François Ricard:** Firstly, we need immediate investment in law enforcement and judicial resources to strengthen the frontline against drug traffickers. Secondly, establishing clear lines of communication and cooperation between local and national agencies is critical. I believe we must engage in proactive community outreach to address the root causes that facilitate drug trafficking, such as social and economic disparities. Without a holistic approach that combines law enforcement with community engagement, we may struggle to reduce this threat effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jean-François Ricard, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that while progress is being made, much work lies ahead in the fight against organized crime in France.
**Jean-François Ricard:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters. We must all remain vigilant and committed to making a change.