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After Nantes Teen’s Killing, Interior Minister Plans Local Anti-Drug Unit and Police Reinforcements

The move underscores how networks that recruit minors are driving deadlier turf fights in mid-sized cities.

Overview

  • The Port-Boyer shooting, which erupted Thursday, killed a 15-year-old and wounded two boys now out of danger, in what officials say was very likely tied to drug dealing.
  • Visiting the scene Friday, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said investigators are pursuing leads and announced a plan to open a local OFAST office and hire 700 officers.
  • Nantes has logged about 26 shootings this year, while people implicated in drug cases jumped nearly 50% in the city and 36% in the department, according to official tallies.
  • Across France, about 10,000 minors have been drawn into drug cases, often recruited on social media with promises of quick cash and lighter penalties.
  • Residents describe a sharp decline since a 2021 wave of cocaine, with fragmented crews using automatic fire at coveted selling spots and families now afraid to let children outside.