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

📷French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin speaks during the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, October 21, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

RIYADH, November 19, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — France has secured the seizure of about 40 apartments and luxury villas in Dubai that are suspected of being linked to drug trafficking networks in France, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said on Wednesday.

In a post on X, Darmanin said the properties were purchased by suspects using cash or cryptocurrencies, and noted that the measure forms part of expanded judicial cooperation between France and the United Arab Emirates on international drug trafficking cases.

Darmanin added that France has obtained the extradition of 14 alleged major traffickers from the UAE so far this year and has requested the arrest and extradition of about 15 additional “highly dangerous” individuals.

“It is incomprehensible that drug traffickers who have built up their wealth through drugs should still be able to benefit from it today,” he said.

France is intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking domestically and strengthening its cooperation with international partners, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told reporters on Tuesday during a visit to Marseille following a suspected mob killing last week, which he described as an act intended to intimidate authorities combating drug-related crime.