France is building a new high-security prison in the Amazon rainforest, near the site of Devil’s Island, to tackle rising crime and drug trafficking in its overseas territory of French Guiana. The 500-inmate facility will house notorious inmates, including maximum-security prisoners, and help ease overcrowding.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced plans for the new prison on Sunday, citing growing threats from organized gangs and cocaine smugglers. The complex, costing €400 million ($451 million), will also feature a court to try high-level offenders.
France faces criticism over conditions in its prisons, with 49 high-level drug traffickers deemed “extremely dangerous” currently held in inadequate facilities. Darmanin vowed to provide similar security for citizens in overseas territories as those on mainland France.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/19/europe/france-prison-french-guyana-scli-intl