Actualité

Cotonou: police dismantle drug den in vodjè, military officer ‘alòtrò’ sought for racketeering

Bénin

Cotonou: police dismantle drug den in Vodjè, military officer ‘Alòtrò’ sought for racketeering

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

Un véhicule de la police républicaine

SUMMARY

This targeted intervention successfully dismantled a notorious drug den, which had been secretly harboring a network for trafficking Indian hemp. Initial findings from the investigation indicate that this location served both as a critical transit point and a place for user consumption.

The raid resulted in the apprehension of several individuals at the scene and the confiscation of substantial equipment directly linked to the illicit trade. Investigations are vigorously continuing to identify and arrest all branches and persons involved in this criminal enterprise.

A network supported by a military officer?

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

​According to intelligence gathered by security services, the soldier did not frequent the drug den for personal consumption. Instead, he had established a sophisticated racketeering system, regularly collecting ransoms from the dealers.

In exchange for these illicit payments, the military officer allegedly guaranteed them supposed protection and immunity from potential law enforcement raids, thereby betraying his oath of service.