French are harsh on drugs busts
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• British truckers caught carrying drugs in France are being dealt with by a "fast-track" system which reduces the burden of proof.
In two recent cases the French authorities dropped smuggling charges against British drivers in favour of "possession of illicit substances". This reverses the burden of proof, making drivers responsible for what they have in their vehicles. They are deemed responsible for the offence.
The two drivers, who cannot be named, were caught separately at Dunkirk with drugs in their cargoes. Both claimed the drugs had been planted. They were found guilty and have appealed, but one has already spent 14 months in prison. french-based lawyer Robert Thompson says: The presumption of responsibility is barely acceptable in civil law, but in criminal law k is absolutely abominable. Why should it not be necessary to prove intent?"
Stephen Jacobi, director of legal rights charity Fair Trials Abroad, warns: "This is an absolute drugs charge. The only other country (which does this] is Morocco. They are cooking up reasons for putting innocent people in prison."
According to Jacobi, about half the lorry drivers charged for drug smuggling in Britain are acquitted. He adds: "It has a great deal to do with the burden of proof and jury trial Ordinary people can understand the drivers' dilemma, but it seems professional judges can't.'