French authorities have recaptured the notorious fugitive The Fly. It is a major triumph in their long-term struggle to defeat drug-related criminality within the territory. The Fly, who had previously been ranked as one of the top 100 kingpins in France’s organized crime underworld, was arrested in February. That is, until his audacious escape resulted in the gruesome murder of two prison guards. This event had ignited widespread outrage and concern over the security of prisons and the ability of the government to maintain control over drug crime.
The Fly’s breakout was an audacious jailbreak. He was escaped custody while being transported from state prison to a preliminary court hearing. This widely publicized incident captured huge media attention. Right-wing politicians and commentators quickly capitalized on the moment to argue that this proved France was losing control over drug-fueled crime. About his escape the circumstances surrounding his escape brought to light the vulnerabilities within the French prison system.
In an effort to respond to this unprecedented crisis, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin presented a series of measures to harden the security of prisons. After the escape, The Fly was placed in segregation from other inmates as part of these increased security measures. French authorities did this, as one piece of a much larger strategy. Second, they are committed to holding accountable gangsters who make money from their criminal operations even from behind bars.
The recapture of The Fly provided an important win for French law enforcement. It was a fierce strike against the country’s criminal syndicates. The move was touted by authorities as proof of their efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance safety in the prisons.
“Those who attack prisons and prison officers should be locked up in these prisons and watched over by these officers.” – Bruno Retailleau
The recapture was an important victory in the ongoing war on drug crime. It did, however, seriously boost Justice Minister Darmanin’s credibility. He also has sought to build up prison security, achieving fame and infamy for that push. The successful capture of The Fly will certainly enhance his reputation among those clamoring for more punitive, paramilitary law enforcement tactics.
