Deadly Drug-Related Shooting in Nice Leaves Two Dead

Violence Erupts in Nice's Moulins District

A deadly shooting in the Moulins neighborhood of Nice, France, has left two people dead and five others injured, including two in serious condition. The attack occurred on Friday evening in this working-class district near the city's airport, with witnesses reporting automatic weapon fire from a vehicle before the perpetrators fled the scene.

Drug Trafficking Connection Suspected

Authorities have indicated the violence is 'most likely connected to drug trafficking' according to Prosecutor Damien Martinelli. The Moulins district has long been known as a hub for drug dealing operations, with ongoing tensions between rival groups competing for control of the lucrative trade.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi confirmed the incident was linked to drug-related crime, stating 'The situation in the neighborhood is tense and chaotic' in his social media posts. The mayor has called for immediate reinforcements from the national government to address the escalating violence.

Government Response and Security Measures

French Interior Minister has responded by ordering additional troops to Nice to bolster security in the affected area. The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes condemned what he called an 'atrocious act' and announced enhanced security deployments starting Saturday.

This incident follows a tragic July 2024 arson attack in the same neighborhood that killed seven family members, including four children. Local authorities have been struggling to contain drug-related violence in the area, with nearly 300 people incarcerated in the past six months related to drug trafficking operations in Moulins and the nearby L'Ariane district.

Political Tensions Surface

The shooting has reignited political tensions between Mayor Estrosi and Prefect Hugues Moutouh over the city's approach to drug trafficking. Estrosi has been critical of what he perceives as insufficient police presence in fighting drug crime, while the prefect has defended law enforcement efforts.

Investigators have launched a probe into organized gang murder and attempted murder, with the perpetrators remaining at large. The victims include individuals of various nationalities, reflecting the international nature of drug trafficking networks operating in the region.

For more information on the ongoing investigation, visit France 24 coverage and local reports.