Prosecutors Seek 6-9 Years for Four in Andorra Cocaine Bust

Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of between six and nine years for four men accused of cocaine trafficking in Andorra, as part of the "Operació Llops" investigation.

The case, which involves significant complexity and eight defendants in total, is scheduled for trial at the Tribunal de Corts from 23 to 27 February. Two of the main suspects, aged 31 and 42 at the time of their arrests, have been in custody since March and October 2024 respectively. The 42-year-old faces the stiffest penalty of nine years, linked to the largest seizure attributed to him.

The operation unfolded in two phases, targeting a group of compatriots suspected of regularly supplying cocaine at street level to the Andorran market. More than 220 grams of the drug were seized overall—a substantial amount for the country—along with over 4,200 euros in cash and various paraphernalia including scales, packaging materials, notebooks with annotations, and electronic devices.

The initial phase began in early March 2024 around a flat on Avinguda de Tarragona in Andorra la Vella, home to two related families under surveillance due to heavy foot traffic. Police arrested the two primary occupants: one en route to work carrying seven wraps of cocaine, the other returning from his shift. A jacket in the flat yielded 147 grams more, bringing the phase-one total to 170 grams. Two suspected buyers were also detained nearby.

Investigations expanded from there, leading to a second wave of arrests in October 2024 across Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. Three more men, then aged 28, 31 and 40, were targeted early in the morning. While nothing was found on one, the others yielded 37.5 grams at a home and three wraps on another suspect heading to work, plus 12 more paper wraps in his workplace locker. This phase netted 52.8 grams and nearly 2,000 euros. The two with drugs entered prison immediately.

Some suspects held jobs at restaurants and a petrol station, which police believe they used to recruit customers and distribute supplies. Four additional defendants face charges of possession and consumption, with prosecutors requesting three months' conditional arrest for each.

Police described the two-phase effort, aided by a sniffer dog, as a major blow against drug trafficking. The court will determine final sentences, including whether they are served or suspended.