Frnech police launch ski slope drug tests

French police are deploying canine units on ski slopes in Savoie to crack down on drug use.

Users caught face an immediate EUR 150 fine, and seized substances are destroyed. 

Authorities say the checks also target safety, as drugs and alcohol contribute to accidents, particularly near mountain restaurants that double as party venues. 

Reinforcements have been sent this winter amid rising cocaine use in ski resorts, alongside efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.

Police point out it was only a few days ago an American skier died after a fall off-piste. His instructor tested positive for cocaine use. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Geneva could foot the G7 bill

    Geneva fears it will be left with the security bill from a G7 summit just across the border in Évian, according to 24 heures.

  • US NGO discovers Swiss child abuse cases

    Switzerland relies too heavily on an American NGO to detect child sexual abuse online, raising questions about the country's ability to protect children on its own.

  • French singer banned by Paleo

    The Paléo Festival in Nyon says it will no longer invite French singer Patrick Bruel, after a former volunteer accused him of inappropriate behaviour.

  • Cars going uninspected

    The cantons are struggling to keep up with mandatory vehicle inspections, leaving more than 550,000 checks overdue nationwide.

  • War may lead to rent rises

    Rents may rise again, says the bank Raiffeisen.

  • Not a heatwave, yet

    Summer has arrived, with temperatures climbing past 30 over the long weekend. Basel reached 31 and Sion hit 32.4, but MeteoSwiss, says this does not yet count as an official heatwave.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play