Andorra Police Arrest 30 for Drugs Ahead of Major Festivals

Andorran police have made around 30 arrests linked to small quantities of drugs ahead of this weekend's major festivals, with 12 detentions on Thursday alone and nearly 10 more by Friday.

Authorities have ramped up operations at both borders, conducting far more checks than usual to target individuals entering the country with narcotics. This has led to a sharp rise in arrests, though police will not release an official tally until Monday, after the Snowrow, Maricóngelado, and Andorra Remember events conclude. These festivals, which draw large crowds, are often associated with drug use.

Most cases involve minor amounts for personal consumption during visitors' stays, or small quantities shared with friends. Sharing carries heavier penalties than personal use but falls short of trafficking charges. Only one person has been imprisoned so far—a 34-year-old Spanish visitor arrested earlier in the week with 15 grams of cocaine, accused of drug trafficking. Hours later, two other non-residents were detained carrying a combined 10 grams of cocaine and over 70 grams of hashish between them.

Police have bolstered judicial staff and on-call lawyers to handle the influx. In social media messages aimed primarily at festival-goers rather than residents, officers stressed that all toxic drugs are strictly prohibited in Andorra, including for consumption—even in small doses.

Beyond drugs, police urged attendees not to drive after drinking, to follow event organizers' and officers' instructions, and to use public transport or free shuttle services whenever possible. "Responsibility," one post read, listing key rules under the hashtag #perlaseguretatdetothom.