Cotonou police dismantle drug den, military officer alòtrò sought in Benin

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Bénin

Cotonou police dismantle drug den, military officer alòtrò sought in Benin

The Republican Police delivered a significant blow to urban criminal organizations this week in Cotonou, executing a major operation within the Vodjè district.

Un véhicule de la police républicaine
2 min de lecture

SOMMAIRE

This targeted intervention successfully dismantled a notorious ghetto, which had been discreetly harboring an Indian hemp trafficking network. Initial findings from the investigation indicate that the location served as both a crucial transit point and a consumption site for users.

The raid resulted in the arrest of several individuals at the scene and the seizure of substantial equipment directly associated with the illicit trade. Investigations are actively continuing to identify and apprehend all branches and individuals involved in this criminal enterprise.

A military officer fueling the network?

The case has taken a particularly grave turn with the Republican Police’s active search for a Béninese armed forces agent. Known by the alias « Alòtrò » (a reference to the gecko), this military officer is the central focus of investigators, who suspect him of direct complicity with the trafficking networks.

According to intelligence gathered by security services, the soldier did not frequent the ghetto for personal consumption. Instead, he had established a sophisticated racketeering system, regularly extorting payments from dealers. In exchange for these illicit commissions, the military officer allegedly guaranteed them supposed protection and immunity from potential law enforcement raids, thereby betraying his solemn oath to the nation.

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  • Mariama Hamani

    Analyst

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