Sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession, trafficking, and use of narcotics, a 33-year-old man fully exposed the inner workings of the drug trade in the department of Fresco. During his trial, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, before the Sassandra court, the defendant (identified by the initials CI) admitted to all the charges and detailed the drug trafficking route.

The logistics chain: From Abidjan to the consumers of Zègban

Before the judges, CI clearly outlined the roadmap for its network:

1. The supply: The cannabis was transported by regular bus line from Abidjan to the village of Zègban, located in the department of Fresco.
2. The distribution hub: Once it arrived in Zegban, the drugs were stored and packaged in the "Behind the Water" district, which became the local hub of the network.
3. The black market: The product was resold in the form of pellets at prices ranging between 500 and 1,000 FCFA . The target clientele consisted mainly of young adults aged 20 to 40.

From the Yamoussoukro market to drug trafficking

The defendant's background illustrates the recruitment methods used by the masterminds of this network:

1. The recruitment: CI explained that he initially worked as a second-hand clothing vendor at the Yamoussoukro market when he was approached by his supplier.
2. Support: To facilitate his activity, his employer paid him a salary, provided him with company accommodation in Zègban as well as all the equipment necessary for weighing and packaging the cannabis pellets.

Network shut down following an anonymous tip

The criminal adventure of the thirty-year-old came to an abrupt end on July 3, 2026 .

An anonymous tip alerted law enforcement, who immediately conducted a search of his home.

Authorities discovered and seized the following:

1. 91 cannabis balls ready for sale.
2. Several tablets of illicit substances.

Having denied all charges in court, the former secondhand clothing vendor returns to prison for the next decade. His full confession now allows authorities to better map the drug trafficking routes supplying inland communities.