France Vows Crackdown on Drug Crime After 15-Year-Old Shot Dead in Nantes

Paris: France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has pledged tougher action against drug-related crime after a 15-year-old boy was shot dead in the western city of Nantes in what authorities suspect was a settling of scores linked to drug trafficking.
The shooting, which also injured a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, took place on Thursday evening in the Port-Boyer district, a working-class neighbourhood where officials say drug dealing has become entrenched near residential buildings.

Prosecutors said the victim was killed in the entrance hall of a tower block in an area described as a “highly sought-after” drug dealing spot. Police believe armed attackers opened fire in an attempt to intimidate rival groups, though investigations are ongoing.

Speaking at the scene, Nuñez said France would “not lose this war” against drugs, adding that criminal networks are increasingly operating within residential communities and drawing young people into trafficking.

Residents described scenes of panic and fear during the attack, with witnesses reporting gunmen dressed in black opening fire before fleeing the area. Several locals said the neighbourhood has seen rising insecurity linked to drug gangs.

The Interior Minister said he will push for stricter measures against drug consumption, including raising fines from €200 to €500 and considering additional penalties such as licence suspensions for repeat offenders.

France has faced growing concerns over drug-related violence in multiple cities, with authorities warning that gangs are increasingly targeting vulnerable youth and using residential areas as operational hubs.

Investigations into the Nantes shooting are ongoing.