Drug Trade Creeps into French Small Towns

France, a historic hub for illicit drug trade, is now seeing a worrying shift. The drug business is no longer confined to big cities. It's moved into smaller towns like Morlaix, nestled on France's Breton coast. With a population of around 15, 000, Morlaix was once known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic half-timbered houses. But now, a new kind of dealer is making their mark. Jean-Paul Vermot, Morlaix's mayor, is alarmed. "We're facing a surge in cocaine trade, " he said. This isn't just about drugs; it's about the violence that often comes with it. Places like Morlaix, once sleepy and secure, are feeling this change. On a recent visit, Vermot highlighted Morlaix's historic spots — the charming marina, the balcony where General Charles de Gaulle spoke in 1945, and the old tobacco factory now a cultural center. But he also showed the darker side, the growing drug issue that's shaking up the town.