Cotonou’s Police Republicaine has dealt a decisive blow to urban crime syndicates with a sweeping operation in the Vodjè district this week, dismantling a notorious hideout reportedly used for both transit and consumption of illicit substances.
Operation uncovers extensive trafficking network
During the raid, authorities arrested multiple suspects and seized substantial quantities of evidence connected to the drug trade. Investigators are now working around the clock to dismantle the full extent of the criminal network and bring all involved parties to justice.
Military figure at the heart of the scandal
Among the arrested individuals, investigators have placed a Beninese soldier at the center of the investigation. Nicknamed Alòtrò—a local reference to the agile margouillat lizard—the accused is suspected of playing a crucial role in the operation. Unlike common users who frequent such dens, this serviceman allegedly ran a sophisticated extortion scheme, collecting regular payments from dealers in exchange for protection.
According to security sources, his involvement was not casual but systematic. By leveraging his military position, he provided traffickers with a false sense of immunity, promising to shield them from law enforcement crackdowns in return for financial kickbacks—a blatant betrayal of his sworn duty.
