France to seize phones from drug users and dealers

French authorities plan to confiscate the mobile phones of drug users and dealers if they are found to have used them for illegal purchases.

A decree to this effect was to be sent to all public prosecutors on Thursday, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin told the France Info radio station.

In addition to the standing fine of 200 euro ($A355), drug dealers and users caught by police can expect to have their mobile phones seized if investigations reveal that the drugs were ordered by phone, text message or via WhatsApp or Telegram, Darmanin said.

The confiscation of money, cars or phones is sometimes more of a deterrent than legal prosecution, according to the minister.

The aim is to take action against the use of drugs and to put pressure on users.

Généraliser les saisies des téléphones portables des consommateurs et des trafiquants de drogues. pic.twitter.com/JI8Qc4Xb7F— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) April 24, 2025

"If a young person has an 800 euro phone and it is taken away from him, he will think twice before using his phone to order drugs," police union representative Laurent Vitello told the BFMTV broadcaster.

Currently, anyone caught dealing up to 30 grams of cannabis or five grams of cocaine has to pay the flat-rate fine.

However, since the French authorities cracked down on drug sales points, particularly in the high-rise districts of large cities, with a massive police presence, they have shifted their business to delivery services.

Instead of selling drugs on the street, suppliers offer their goods via messenger services and deliver to customers by car or scooter, just like a pizza delivery service.