In Font-Romeu, a popular ski destination, local authorities are ramping up efforts to combat drug use amid increasing visitor numbers and associated criminal activities. Gendarmes are conducting regular checks, including the use of trained dogs to detect narcotics. While some skiers find these measures unsettling, many appreciate the enhanced safety. Additionally, collaboration with Spanish police aims to assist Spanish-speaking tourists. Authorities are also vigilant about risky behaviors that can lead to accidents, emphasizing the dangers of substance use while skiing.
Increased Vigilance on the Slopes of Font-Romeu
The picturesque mountains may seem like a sanctuary, but they come with their own set of challenges. Font-Romeu, the largest ski area in the Pyrénées-Orientales, attracts over 500,000 visitors each season. This surge in vacationers has, unfortunately, coincided with a rise in criminal activities. In response, local law enforcement is intensifying their efforts to combat drug use, even in the heart of the ski slopes.
Law Enforcement Operations: A New Approach
On a crisp morning at the summit of a ski lift, gendarmes are actively engaged in a strategic anti-drug operation. “We are conducting checks with a canine unit trained to detect narcotics,” explains Major Stéphane Laurent, the commander of the Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via brigade. The government’s commitment to tackling drug use has never been more pronounced, with a focus on confronting both users and dealers alike. Major Laurent emphasizes, “The number of consumers is on the rise, and we must take action. Where there are users, there will inevitably be dealers.”
From cocaine to cannabis, drug concealment is becoming increasingly sophisticated, but the keen sense of smell of trained dogs doesn’t lie. During these operations, several individuals are apprehended, including a young skier caught with cannabis who faced a fine of 200 euros. “I was taken aback. But I guess that’s the risk you run. This experience will make me think twice about my choices,” he admitted to our camera.
For many vacationers, these checks can be unsettling yet somewhat reassuring. “It’s a bit intimidating, but it also makes me feel safer,” one visitor remarked. While such operations are not entirely new, their frequency has notably increased, with checks occurring at least once a week, leaving many vacationers surprised. “I never imagined there would be drug checks at the peak of the slopes. It’s quite unusual,” a visitor noted.
In addition to local law enforcement, Spanish police are present to enhance cooperation with Spanish-speaking tourists, particularly since the resort is near Llivia, a Spanish enclave within French territory. “Collaboration is essential. Our mutual support and presence are beneficial, especially for translation purposes,” stated Agustín Blanco, a Spanish civil guard assigned to the Font-Romeu brigade.
On the slopes, gendarmes also monitor for risky behaviors. “Skiing presents its own hazards, and when you add alcohol or drugs into the mix, the potential for serious accidents escalates. Some substances can create a false sense of invincibility, leading individuals to believe they are in control when they are not,” cautioned Chief Marshal Edouard of the Argelès-sur-Mer brigade. In the event of an accident, any involvement with drugs or alcohol can complicate legal circumstances significantly.