Malian Man on Trial in Andorra for Cocaine and Cannabis Trafficking

A 48-year-old Malian national resident in Ós de Civís is standing trial at Andorra's Tribunal de Corts on charges of continued trafficking of large quantities of cocaine and cannabis, including transportation, importation, exportation, and sales.

The defendant, who has lived in Spain since 2004 and moved to the Catalan enclave in 2017, was arrested on 7 November 2024 at the Runer River border crossing. Police discovered approximately 44 grams of cocaine hidden in his anus, wrapped in a condom and other materials. He was also intoxicated at the time. He remains in custody.

During the first session, the man gave the only testimony heard so far. Prosecutors have not yet specified a penalty but accuse him of smuggling and distributing drugs in Andorra. A joint operation by Andorran police and Catalonia's Mossos d'Esquadra had placed him under surveillance beforehand, alleging frequent trips to Lleida to collect supplies for local small-scale dealers and users.

The defendant denies large-scale involvement. He claims the cocaine was for personal use, with habitual purchases of 15 to 30 grams—consuming 1 to 1.5 grams daily—and insists he had no plans to take it to Africa. He admits selling to just two men in Ós de Civís: about 10 grams (one gram at €40 each time) to one, and five grams (one gram on five occasions) to the other. He used a scale to weigh portions but denies selling cannabis, supplying anyone else, or ever transporting drugs internally before. He says a Lleida supplier typically delivered directly and that this was a one-off crossing while drunk.

His lawyer requested—and the court approved—an educator's presence as a facilitator, citing his illiteracy, limited Spanish skills, and challenges following questions in judicial settings. Testimony proceeded in Spanish, with French as needed. He does not understand Catalan.

Police found €5,100 plus €2,300 at his home, which he attributes to monthly €1,000 cash withdrawals from his Escaldes-Engordany bank account for savings toward an Africa trip, alongside €200-300 remittances to family in Mali.

The trial continues with witness and expert testimonies.