France activates a drone system at the border with Andorra to intensify the fight against smuggling

The prefecture of Ariège has decided to strengthen efforts to combat smuggling in border areas with Spain and Andorra by deploying surveillance drones, as reported by the French newspaper La Dépêche. This temporary measure, limited to three months, focuses on the use of aerial technology to improve monitoring in mountainous environments that are particularly vulnerable to such illegal activities. The initiative was formalized through a prefectural decree authorizing the gendarmerie to deploy these camera-equipped devices to oversee border crossing points. The drones will be able to record and transmit real-time images as part of enforcement operations, with a maximum of two devices operating simultaneously. According to the prefecture, this decision responds to the presence of several illicit trafficking flows in the area, particularly tobacco smuggling from Andorra, as well as irregular cross-border movements. The surveillance system will primarily be deployed along key strategic roads such as the RN20, RN22, and RN320, as well as in localities near the border such as L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre and Mérens-les-Vals, although operations will remain occasional during the designated period. Authorities emphasize that drone use is a key tool in this context, as it helps overcome the challenges posed by mountainous terrain and expands monitoring capabilities in areas where traditional methods are less effective. The decree states that this technology is considered “absolutely necessary” to ensure effective territorial surveillance.The post France activates a drone system at the border with Andorra to intensify the fight against smuggling first appeared on All PYRENEES.

4/17/2026 7:08:53 AM Read more