Fatshimetrie is currently investigating a massive drug trafficking case in Ivory Coast that has shocked the nation. Since December 22, hearings have exposed a sophisticated network of traffickers, unraveled after the unprecedented seizure of two tons of cocaine in Abidjan and San Pedro in April 2022. The revelations in court have gripped the public’s attention, sparking intense reactions.
At the core of this illicit network are key individuals who played pivotal roles in drug transportation and distribution. Miguel Devesa, known as “the professional” to the prosecutor, is portrayed as the brains behind the operation. His detailed confessions have illuminated the inner workings of the trafficking operation and the methods employed to move cocaine from Suriname to Europe. Alongside Devesa, other crucial figures include Picabea Hector, Gustavo Valencia, and Helbert Perez, each contributing to different aspects of the operation.
The prosecution has also implicated several local figures, accusing them of providing critical logistical support to the network. César Ouattara, a member of the Regional Council, is alleged to be a key associate of Miguel Devesa. Similarly, Leïla Kouassi, the commander of the San Pedro naval base, stands accused of supplying strategic information to evade authorities. Conversely, the former head of the San Pedro anti-drug police, Lamand Bakayoko, has been cleared of the charges against him.
The prosecution’s demands, particularly the call for significant fines against the main defendants, underscore the high stakes of this case. Drug trafficking carries severe social, financial, and political implications, with demands for substantial reparations from civil parties to offset the damages caused by these unlawful activities.
By exposing the underbelly of a vast drug trafficking network, Fatshimetrie emphasizes the necessity of combatting this menace. This case underscores the urgency of fortifying prevention and enforcement mechanisms to shield society from the harms of drug trafficking.
Furthermore, for more details on a related case in Ivory Coast where 10 years of firm imprisonment have been demanded for the masterminds of a cocaine trafficking network, you can read a related article [here](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20240416-c%C3%B4te-d-ivoire-10-ans-de-prison-ferme-requis-contre-les-cerveaux-d-un-trafic-de-coca%C3%AFne).