More than a dozen Leeds University students arrested for drug offences at Europe’s highest ski resort

OVER a dozen British students were arrested for suspected drug offences during a university ski trip in the French Alps.

Police quizzed a total of 20 people including up to 17 from Leeds University’s “Snowriders” ski club, after being pulled as they left Val Thorens, south France, a source has claimed.

A total of 800 members of Leeds Snowriders travelled to the French ski resort, known for its parties and apres ski boozers, last Friday as part of the university society's annual Easter trip.

Most have been released pending further enquiries but one of the Brits remained in custody last night accused of supplying recreational drugs, said to be “cocaine and pills”.

A source said: "Cocaine found on every single seat of the coach.

"One student was found with 100 Valiums along with cocaine and ketamine.

"You would think they would have more sense."

The ski club go to the same resort every year but now they are worried they’ll get banned from going there again

A source

Another source said: “They were accused of taking cocaine and pills at a bar in the resort and one lad was accused of supplying.

“Some of the students were let go without any charge and being questioned and some others are still waiting to hear what will happen to them.

“The ski club go to the same resort every year but now they are worried they’ll get banned from going there again.”

Charges of drug supply in France are punishable with imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to €7.5million, according to European drugs laws.

TOP SKI RESORT

Val Thorens is regarded as one of the top ski resorts in Europe and is located in the south of France, close by to Italy.

At a height of 2300m, it is the highest ski resort in Europe and was first opened in 1972.

A seven-night stay at the resort for the 2019/20 season ranges from Euro 2,000 to Euro 4,000.

FOREIGN OFFICE ASSISTING

A Val Thorens police source said: “There were up to 20 people, many of them English, spoken to by police on Friday.

“Many are still of interest and can be recalled.

“One man has been formally arrested.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “Our staff are assisting a British man following his arrest and are in contact with the French authorities.”

A Leeds University Union spokesperson said: "We have received reports about an incident involving Leeds University Union students abroad.

"Leeds University Union is investigating but have no further details at this time."

Leeds University were contacted for a statement but declined to comment.

In 2016, an Oxford University student died during a varsity ski trip in the upmarket French Alps resort, Val Thorens.

Matt Smith, 22, was found unconscious in his chalet room after a night of drinking with his friends.

The history student, had attended a party at a Varsity event notorious for heavy alcohol consumption on Saturday bt his friends were unable to wake him on Sunday morning.

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