Increase in Specialized Personnel and Intervention Resources
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced on Saturday that the country will bolster its diplomatic presence in Latin America to combat drug trafficking. According to Barrot, there will be a 20% increase in specialized personnel at embassies and a tripling of intervention resources, though no specific timeline has been provided.
Successful Cooperation and Future Plans
Barrot acknowledged that current cooperation between embassies and drug-producing countries has yielded positive results. However, he emphasized that more needs to be done. In addition to the increased personnel and resources, France plans to establish a regional academy against organized crime by 2026 in the Dominican Republic. This academy will annually train 250 investigators, judges, customs agents, and financial analysts from allied countries’ security and justice forces.
Contextual Background
Jean-Noël Barrot’s current visit to Colombia is for the fourth summit of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Prior to this, Barrot was in Mexico during a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, where an agreement on customs cooperation against drug trafficking was signed.
France’s Heightened Concerns
With France facing an increase in cocaine trafficking and consumption, Barrot stated that his ministry is prioritizing its role in the fight against drugs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is France’s plan to combat drug trafficking in Latin America? France intends to increase specialized personnel at embassies by 20% and triple intervention resources. Additionally, they plan to establish a regional academy against organized crime in the Dominican Republic by 2026.
- Why is France focusing on Latin America in its fight against drug trafficking? Latin America is a significant source of drug production, and France aims to strengthen its diplomatic efforts in the region to curb drug trafficking.
- What other recent actions has France taken against drug trafficking? During President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Mexico, an agreement on customs cooperation against drug trafficking was signed.
- What is the significance of the planned regional academy? The academy, to be established in the Dominican Republic by 2026, will annually train investigators, judges, customs agents, and financial analysts from allied countries’ security and justice forces.
