Andorra Detains Spanish Resident for Coordinating International Drug Trafficking Logistics

Police in Andorra detained a 37-year-old Spanish resident in Escaldes-Engordany on Tuesday, accusing him of organising the logistics for an international drug trafficking network from the Principality. The man, who has lived in Andorra for only a few years, faces charges from French authorities of offences against public health for drug trafficking, membership in a criminal organisation, and money laundering.

The investigation began after French gendarmes and Spain's Guardia Civil intercepted a truck near Bordeaux in August 2025 carrying 1,300 kilograms of cocaine from Spain. The driver's detention provided leads pointing to the Andorran resident as the person coordinating distribution routes for the network, which shipped narcotics from Spain to various European countries without passing through Andorran territory.

Andorran judicial police worked with the Guardia Civil, Bordeaux's gendarmes drug unit, and France's anti-drugs office OFAST. France requested the arrest this week via Interpol, leading to the man's detention and imprisonment at La Comella pending a formal extradition request, potentially from France or Spain. Andorran authorities may also open a money laundering probe to examine his bank accounts.

Searches at his Escaldes home yielded electronic devices, high-end watches, a card linked to a cryptocurrency account, and nearly €5,000 in cash. Simultaneous raids in Zaragoza by Guardia Civil, with French support, uncovered 3 kilograms of marijuana, €20,000 in cash, another luxury watch, more electronics, and documents. No drugs were found in Andorra.

The man managed a Spanish transport firm, now reportedly linked to a family member, and administered at least four Spanish companies involved in areas like real estate, photography, commerce, and distribution. He had set up an investment company in Andorra focused on cryptocurrencies. Known locally for a routine life—frequent gym visits, futsal playing, and occasional casino outings—his associates expressed shock. Prison protocols are in place for any escorted outings due to risks from his alleged network.

The case remains under seal as inquiries continue.