French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said his government has dismissed several employees after they tested positive for drugs under a group screening program for ministerial staff and senior civil servants.

Lecornu stated in an interview published Wednesday that "many people said I did this to set an example for others... that's true... but I mainly did it for security reasons."

He explained that many employees who were tested had access to "extremely sensitive" information.

In mid-June, Lecornu ordered a surprise mandatory drug test for government members, senior officials, and others with security clearances.

The order directed ministers to evaluate the consequences of any positive results, including possible disciplinary actions.

Lecornu explained that the measures aim to strengthen the government's credibility in its campaign against drug-related crimes.

The prime minister told Paris Match that drug trafficking is "the biggest internal challenge (France) currently faces and will face in the coming years," estimating the number of drug users in France at around one million people.

He added: "It affects every part of society," noting that politicians are not immune to it either.