Young man killed by gunfire in Valence amid suspected drug trafficking dispute

A fatal shooting in the French city of Valence has authorities investigating a likely execution linked to drug trafficking. The victim, a man in his twenties with a history of drug trafficking convictions, died after sustaining severe injuries from Kalashnikov-style gunfire. The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. in the Plan neighborhood, an area known to be affected by drug dealing.

Authorities quickly apprehended two 17-year-old minors and another young adult near the scene of the shooting. One of the arrested individuals was found to be carrying a firearm. According to the prosecutor, Laurent de Caigny, all three are known to the justice system for minor offenses.

The investigation into the "murder by an organized gang" and "criminal association" has been assigned to the Organized and Specialized Crime Division of Drôme-Ardèche. This incident follows a similar fatal shooting in late May in the same city, where one man was killed and another seriously injured near a known drug dealing point.