Andorra and France Boost Border Staffing to Curb Tobacco Smuggling

Andorra and France are ramping up efforts against tobacco smuggling, with Head of Government Xavier Espot reporting early signs of success from increased border staffing despite agents still being in training.

Espot highlighted the impact during the recent Andorra-Occitania Cross-Border Dialogue, noting a drop in seized tobacco volumes due to heightened pressure. The measures include 15 additional customs officers and 10 police personnel focused on Pas de la Casa, alongside restrictions on tobacco sales hours and a moratorium on new outlets there. "If we reduce supply, we'll curb demand," Espot said.

A key element is a Penal Code amendment, effective December, that imposes up to two years in prison on repeat border crossers stockpiling sensitive goods like tobacco for smuggling. Espot announced this criminal offense at a press conference after the 10th dialogue on Friday, attended by French Prefect Fabrice Rigoulet-Roze.

Rigoulet-Roze called smuggling a persistent priority for French authorities, advocating joint operations plus side-specific actions. He pointed to rising foot traffic by smugglers and stressed tighter vehicle checks, penalties, and intelligence sharing. France will also open a new Gendarmerie brigade at L'Hospitalet in facilities provided by Andorra, replacing existing ones.

The talks extended to other areas. Public transport updates covered the Paris-Tor de Querol rail and Ax-les-Thermes-Pas de la Casa bus, with plans to enhance efficiency and links. Health cooperation advanced in blood monitoring, youth addiction prevention, and connections between Andorra's SAAS service and Toulouse University Hospital, including an impending cross-border agreement and October 21-22 business events in digital and health fields.

Agriculture and livestock ties with Occitania, especially Ariège, progressed in animal health, native breeds, pastoralism, mountain tourism, local products, and rural development. Culturally, both sides reviewed a nascent multinational UNESCO application for Coprincipat construction monuments, expressing confidence in its prospects.