Mohamed Amra, a notorious drug trafficker who had been on the run since a violent jailbreak in May 2024, has been apprehended in Romania, according to an announcement made Saturday, February 22, by France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. He expressed his gratitude towards Romania for their crucial cooperation in the arrest, which took place in a residential area of Bucharest. The arrest was facilitated by joint efforts between the Central Office for the Fight against Organized Crime and Romanian police, who identified Amra earlier in February.
The escape of Amra, famously known as “The Fly,” was nothing short of dramatic. On May 14, 2024, a heavily armed commando attacked a prison van at the Incarville toll booth in Eure, resulting in the deaths of two prison officers and injuries to three others, all in a bid to free Amra. The drug lord, who has been convicted 13 times, was suspected of orchestrating multiple murders and was being transported in the van at the time of the attack.
Following the jailbreak, Interpol issued a red notice for Amra, and his capture became a top priority for law enforcement agencies across Europe. The incident had sent shockwaves through France, prompting a national tribute by President Emmanuel Macron for the fallen officers, Captain Fabrice Moello, 52, and Brigadier Arnaud Garcia, 34.
Reacting to the arrest while attending the Agricultural Fair, President Macron hailed the operation as a “tremendous success” and extended his commendations to the French investigators who pursued Amra relentlessly. He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the penitentiary staff affected by Amra’s actions.
Prime Minister François Bayrou took to social media to commend the “magnificent success of our national police,” while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin lauded the collective efforts of investigators, magistrates, and neighboring countries, including Romania, in capturing Amra. He emphasized that ultimately, “the police and justice always prevail.”
The arrest of Mohamed Amra marks a significant victory in the fight against organized crime, bringing closure to a high-profile case that had gripped the nation and highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel.
