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France pledges to punish operators of flying drones in sensitive sites

Xinhua, March 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

A French government spokesman has pledged on Wednesday to punish operators of drones which were reportedly flying over landmark sites in Paris overnight.

In an interview with France Info, Stephane Le Foll, Agriculture minister and French government's spokesman, urged authorities to "be extremely vigilant" and "take seriously" the drones flying over the capital's emblematic places.

"When we will find those who enjoy doing so, there will be sanctions," Le Foll said, without elaborating.

Around a dozen drones were reportedly flying over areas of the French capital overnight. One of the small engines was spotted in east of Paris, between the Porte de Bagnolet and Vincennes, where a witness saw four men recovering it and fleeing away in a black car, according to local reports.

French law bans small, civilian drones from areas such as nuclear facilities, which are protected by a no-fly zones.

Without a license, flying drones are illegal in France and the operator risk a one year prison sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros (83,480 U.S. dollars).

Mysterious drones in Paris are likely to test France's security system. The government has called for reinforced security measures and increased vigilance to preserve calm in France, which has been the target of terrorist cells following France's military commitment in many countries. Enditem