Smuggling Surge Disrupts French Border Village Life

Residents of Mérens-les-Vals in Ariège are voicing growing concerns over heightened smuggling activity near the Andorran border, which has disrupted daily life and raised safety fears.

The village, located along the RN20—locally dubbed the "smuggling route"—has seen a sharp increase in illicit operations in recent months. Locals report vehicles speeding through at night, often without lights, on both the main road and secondary paths. This has heightened accident risks and prompted changes in routines, including fewer nighttime trips and constant vigilance.

Tensions peaked on the night of 1 December. The following morning, villagers discovered several vandalised cars, broken windows, and vehicles abandoned in various spots. One car ended up on the railway tracks, creating a serious hazard.

Mérens-les-Vals mayor Jean-Pierre Sicre confirmed the incidents, noting that the perpetrators likely fled after a dog barked. He suggested the vandalism might stem from a reaction to customs intervention, though motives remain unclear. The mayor highlighted the financial burden on the commune, as removing vehicles stranded off the RN20 falls to local funds. Smugglers have also left rubbish in nearby forests and areas around the village.

Residents say the area has evolved from a mere transit point into a logistics hub for smugglers, who swap vehicles, store goods, and use mountain trails. While smuggling is not new here, the escalation has transformed the once-quiet spot into a hotspot of insecurity after dark. Authorities have not detailed any specific response measures.