Joël Soudron (born 27 April 1979) is a French convicted drug trafficker from Guadeloupe. In 2018, while serving a six-year prison sentence for drug trafficking at Réau prison, he escaped while on temporary prison leave. He subsequently became an international fugitive and was included on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted fugitives. Soudron was arrested in Panama on 30 March 2026 after more than seven years on the run.
Early life Soudron was born on 27 April 1979 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe.
Drug trafficking activities and investigation Soudron was suspected by French investigators of leading a network that transported cocaine to metropolitan France. According to RTL, an investigation by the French Anti-Narcotics Office (OFAST) found that the network had allegedly organized between 20 and 30 cocaine shipments since 2005. On 18 November 2011, customs officers at the port of Le Havre seized 231 kilograms of cocaine from a container arriving from Guadeloupe. A controlled delivery subsequently led to the arrest of two men unloading the shipment on 21 November. During a related operation in Baie-Mahault, Guadeloupe, authorities seized a further 272 kilograms of cocaine and €284,930. Soudron was later investigated by the Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) in Paris over the importation of cocaine in shipping containers. He was eventually sent for trial on charges including drug importation and trafficking, money laundering, weapons possession and criminal association. Investigators also suspected Soudron of laundering proceeds from drug trafficking through investments in legitimate businesses in French-speaking Africa.
Arrest, imprisonment, escape and manhunt In February 2016, Soudron was arrested in Bamako, Mali, and handed over to French authorities. He was imprisoned to serve a six-year sentence imposed by the Créteil criminal court in 2004 in a separate drug-trafficking case. In September 2018, while investigators were preparing to place him under formal investigation in connection with the cocaine seized at Le Havre, Soudron was granted temporary prison leave. He failed to return to Réau prison and became a fugitive. Following his escape, Soudron was actively sought by the French National Fugitive Search Brigade (BNRF). Investigators described him as highly mobile and said that he travelled between the French and British Caribbean, French-speaking Africa and Europe, using several identities. French authorities suspected that he may have been hiding in Africa, particularly Senegal or Guinea, where he had invested in legitimate businesses, including construction and real estate. Investigators said that he had significant contacts in the region. In December 2021, French police selected Soudron for Europol's Most Wanted campaign and appealed for information that could help locate him.
Arrest in Panama On 30 March 2026, Soudron was arrested on Avenida Balboa in Panama City by officers of the Panamanian National Police. According to La Prensa, motorcycle officers stopped Soudron and requested documentation concerning his legal status in the country. During the check, officers discovered that his immigration card contained false information. A subsequent check found that he was wanted by French authorities through Interpol. Soudron was sought by the Créteil Criminal Court in France in connection with offences involving the unauthorized importation and transportation of narcotics and participation in a criminal organization. Following his arrest, Soudron was transferred to Panamanian judicial authorities pending extradition proceedings to France. A Panamanian judge later approved the request, and as of June 2026, Soudron remained in Panama awaiting transfer to France
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