Joël Soudron

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. . 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

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