On April 28, 2025, French authorities conducted a major operation resulting in over twenty arrests across several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, linked to a series of violent attacks against prisons and prison staff.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau suggested that drug-related criminals are likely behind the attacks, which aligns with the theory that organized crime is involved.

President Emmanuel Macron assured the public that the state is determined to find and punish those responsible for the violence against prison staff and facilities.

The national anti-organized crime jurisdiction and the national anti-terrorist prosecutor's office have identified these attacks as being connected to drug trafficking activities.

The arrests, confirmed by the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office, occurred early in the morning and followed a troubling pattern of incidents targeting penal institutions.

Investigators are probing the involvement of a group known as DDPF (Défense des prisonniers français), which has been linked to the attacks and has disseminated threats via the encrypted messaging platform Telegram.

Between April 13 and April 21, around 15 incidents were reported, although not all were necessarily connected to the ongoing investigation.

Union representatives have expressed cautious relief following the arrests but emphasize the need for thorough questioning to understand the suspects' roles.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin praised law enforcement for their swift actions and reaffirmed the government's commitment to combat drug trafficking.

In response to the ongoing threats, the government is proposing an amendment to extend anonymity protections to all prison staff, which is currently under examination.

The violent incidents included arson against vehicles belonging to prison staff, mortar fire directed at prisons, and gunfire incidents, notably involving Kalashnikovs.

Among those arrested, at least four individuals are believed to be affiliated with the DZ Mafia, a prominent drug trafficking organization in southeastern France.