Fight against drug trafficking – Joint statement issued by the French Republic and the Republic of Paraguay

​1/ France and Paraguay reaffirm their joint commitment to preventing and combating drug trafficking, dismantling criminal networks, and confronting the health and social consequences of drug use. In light of the growth and complexity of drug trafficking, which affects both of our countries and regions, France and Paraguay strongly believe that international cooperation is necessary to combat this criminal phenomenon. To that end, our actions and our cooperation are extensive and well balanced, and fully compliant with international law and human rights.

2/ Latin America and the Caribbean are priority regions for France. The fight against transnational crime and drug trafficking is a shared concern that brings our countries closer together. During Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s visit to Colombia in November 2025, France presented a series of measures aimed at strengthening its commitment to preventing and combating drug trafficking. In July 2026, during France’s G7 Presidency, France hosted a regional conference on security in the Caribbean, a multilateral initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation in order to more effectively fight organized crime, and especially the traffic of drugs and firearms.

3/ Combating drug trafficking is also a priority for Paraguay, which has adopted a zero-tolerance approach via a comprehensive strategy that combines strengthened security forces and prevention programs. Land and air operations in critical border areas have been stepped up, making it possible to dismantle criminal networks and close major production and storage sites. These efforts are enhanced by Paraguay’s active participation in regional and international initiatives in partnership with other countries, the United Nations, the European Union and other actors.

4/ The bilateral consultations between France and Paraguay held in Paris last April facilitated in-depth discussions on the fight against drug trafficking and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation on security. On that occasion, France and Paraguay adopted a declaration of intent to strengthen cooperation on prevention, investigations and prosecutions aimed at combating human trafficking.

5/ Given the critical importance of these issues for France and Paraguay, and in view of the positive momentum characterizing their bilateral relations, France and Paraguay reaffirm their determination to strengthen their cooperation and their commitment to pursuing a close dialogue on these matters.