France secures extradition of top cocaine trafficker from UAE after minister’s UN visit
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin secured the extradition of Ouicem Kattoursi, a major French cocaine trafficker, from the United Arab Emirates, with his transfer to France imminent.
During the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin succeeded in obtaining an extradition order for Ouicem Kattoursi, a 44-year-old Franco-Tunisian identified as one of France’s biggest cocaine importers. Kattoursi has been wanted since a February 2023 arrest warrant issued by a Bobigny judge for murder in an organized gang, attempted murder and criminal association.
The Office central antistupéfiants (Ofast) classified him as a top priority. After the minister’s return to Paris, the UAE confirmed the extradition, which is expected to be carried out within days. This move underscores France’s intensified effort to combat drug-trafficking networks. Kattoursi hails from Sevran in Seine-Saint-Denis.
Why it matters
The extradition removes a key cocaine importer from abroad, strengthening France's fight against organized drug crime.
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