France Launches Shock Campaign Against Drug Use

Paris – 22.06.2026: Prime Minister Jean Dupont has called cocaine the “national sport” and unveiled a new plan to combat drug trafficking in France. Central to the plan are random drug tests in public places as well as a shock campaign that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to spread disturbing images about the dangers of drug use. The goal is to raise public awareness about the consequences of consumption and to weaken the drug trade.

The campaign increasingly relies on visual deterrence. The AI-generated images are intended to be present on social media, billboards, and public transportation to reach a broad audience. The government aims to bring about a behavioral change among users and to curb the illegal drug market through a combination of education and stricter controls.

The planned drug tests are to be conducted randomly and anonymously to identify users and deter further consumption. However, this approach has sparked criticism: privacy advocates warn of possible infringements on privacy, while other voices fear potential discrimination. The government, however, emphasizes that the tests will be conducted without negative consequences for those involved and will serve solely a preventive purpose.

Already in November 2025, a similar campaign was launched in the Pays de la Loire region under the slogan “Tu consommes, tu cautionnes” (You consume, you endorse). This also aimed to highlight the users’ responsibility for the drug trade and to critically question their behavior. The current measures build on this and expand the approach to the entire country.

In parallel, in June 2026, the European Union adopted a new action plan against drug trafficking. This includes, among other things, closer cooperation among member states, improved law enforcement, and the expansion of prevention programs. The illegal drug trade in the EU is estimated at around 31 billion euros annually.

The situation in France remains tense. In the Bouches-du-Rhône, drug trafficking has shifted to delivery services to avoid direct police contacts. This development complicates the work of authorities and highlights the continued adaptability of criminal structures.

The French government sees a comprehensive concept of prevention, education, and law enforcement as the best way to address the problem. It relies on visible measures to raise societal awareness through the new shock campaign and the intensified drug testing. Experts remain skeptical, however, whether these approaches are sufficient to sustainably tackle the complex causes of drug use.

Overall, current developments emphasize that drug trafficking and consumption in France represent a serious social problem. The effectiveness of the new measures will only be proven in the coming years, while authorities continue to fight against the dynamics of the drug market.