Employee at France’s Highest Court Charged with Cocaine Use
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Employee at France's Highest Court Charged with Cocaine Use
- A 34-year-old administrative assistant at the French Court of Cassation was recently tried in Paris for daily cocaine consumption, including at her workplace.
- The case unfolded after colleagues discovered white powder and drug paraphernalia in her office on February 6, 2026, leading to her arrest and subsequent admission of addiction.
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A 34-year-old administrative assistant, identified as Iris, faced a Paris correctional tribunal on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for consuming cocaine, some of which occurred at her workplace, the Court of Cassation. The Court of Cassation is France’s highest judicial court.
The investigation began on February 6, 2026, when colleagues discovered a white powder, rolled post-it notes, and a bank card in a desk drawer in Iris’s office. Police were notified, and a test confirmed the substance was cocaine. Following this discovery, investigators searched Iris’s home, where they found additional traces of drugs and numerous vials.
During questioning, Iris admitted to consuming cocaine daily, including at her office, stating she purchased the drug for 60 euros per gram through a WhatsApp contact who delivered it to her home. She attributed her drug use to stress and a burnout, telling the court, “I messed everything up.” Her lawyer, Me Sophiane Ben Ali, argued that addiction is a widespread issue and that his client should receive a lenient sentence, similar to other drug users, suggesting that the case only went to trial due to her workplace. The prosecutor recommended a suspended fine and a drug awareness course.
This incident occurs amidst a broader crackdown on drug use within French government circles. In July 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the suspension of several ministerial staff and senior officials who tested positive for drug use following unannounced checks across government departments. Lecornu emphasized that officials with access to classified information should not use narcotics due to increased vulnerability. A government report in January 2025 indicated that the number of cocaine users in France had nearly doubled to 1.1 million, with workplace pressures cited as a contributing factor.