A successful operation for the National Gendarmerie. On Monday, December 1, 2025, a large-scale anti-drug operation conducted by the Daloa Anti-Drug Unit (CAD) and Mobile Squadron 1/2 resulted in the arrest of four individuals suspected of belonging to a drug distribution network in Vavoua. Among the suspects, a man presenting himself as a "teacher" is at the heart of the investigation.

A Long-Term Operation

The operation followed an anonymous tip about a highly active drug dealing spot operating in several neighborhoods of the city. Law enforcement deployed a meticulous plan, launching the raid at 10:00 AM and extending it until 11:00 PM to secure the area and carry out arrests and searches.

At the end of this marathon day, the four suspects were apprehended in possession of a significant quantity of cannabis , packaged and ready to be sold on the market.

Profiles of the Accused

The investigation quickly identified the alleged roles within this small network:

1. N. Philippe (29 years old, Beninese): Residing in the Lycée district, he presented himself as a "teacher" . He is suspected of being a key link in the network and of actually being involved in selling narcotics.
2. ZBT Benjamin (43 years old, Ivorian): Farmer residing in Trafla, he is identified as an active drug dealer in the region.
3. K. Mohamed (21 years old, Burkinabe): Unemployed, living in Sebafla. Described as a regular user, he is said to have acted as an occasional dealer .
4. BM Bernard (66 years old, Ivorian): Resident of the Lycée district, he is both a consumer and a planter, and is believed to have played an intermediary role for local supply .

The Seizure Report

The search of the premises led to the seizure of several items that confirm the organization of the network:

Article entered	Quantity / Details	Estimated Value
Cannabis Blocks	1 block of 750 grams and 1 square of 93.75 grams
Cannabis Balls	350 balls, or 520 grams
Total Narcotics	$\approx 1.36 \text{ kg}$	$242 \ 500 \text{ FCFA}$
Distribution Method	A KTM-type motorcycle (used for rapid deliveries)

The use of motorcycles, in particular, illustrates a logistics strategy designed to evade security forces.

Legal Proceedings and Determination

The four suspects are currently in police custody at the Daloa Anti-Drug Unit. They will have to answer to charges of trafficking, possession, and use of narcotics before the judicial authorities.

This operation is part of the Gendarmerie's national strategy to dismantle active drug networks and protect young people from the scourge of drugs, whose presence is intensifying in certain Ivorian cities. The authorities reaffirm their commitment to cleaning up neighborhoods and relentlessly pursuing the fight against this organized crime.