In a significant operation conducted on November 5, 2026, police in Benin's Pahou area arrested 42 individuals and dismantled three ghettos. The operation targeted areas identified as hotspots for substance abuse and trafficking in the commune of Ouidah. The intervention, led by the Pahou district police commissariat with support from the Atlantic Departmental Police Directorate's Surveillance and Intervention Platoon, aimed to curb the proliferation of illicit substances.
The operation focused on three sites: Bazounkpa-Sèloli, Pahou-centre, and Adjara-Adovié. Police conducted thorough searches of the premises and individuals, resulting in the seizure of various psychotropic substances, including "Atinkinkouin," a locally known product, and Indian hemp. Additionally, a substantial amount of cash suspected to be proceeds from illicit trafficking was confiscated.
The arrested individuals were taken into custody and are currently facing charges related to substance abuse and trafficking. The operation reflects the ongoing efforts of Benin's law enforcement agencies to combat the spread of illicit substances and related criminal activities. The police have been working to identify and dismantle networks involved in the production, distribution, and sale of banned substances.
The crackdown in Pahou is part of a broader strategy to enhance security and public health in the region. Substance abuse has been a growing concern in Benin, with authorities seeking to address the issue through a combination of enforcement and public awareness campaigns. The success of the operation in Pahou is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals.
The operation was carried out in the afternoon, involving a team from the Pahou district police commissariat reinforced by elements from the Surveillance and Intervention Platoon of the Atlantic Departmental Police Directorate. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Benin's law enforcement agencies to tackling the challenges posed by substance abuse and trafficking.
The seized substances and cash are being held as evidence, with further investigations ongoing to identify and prosecute those involved in the trafficking network. The authorities have urged the public to cooperate in the fight against substance abuse and trafficking, emphasizing the need for community involvement in preventing the spread of illicit substances.
The dismantling of the three ghettos and the arrest of 42 individuals mark a significant achievement for the police in their efforts to combat substance abuse and trafficking in the Pahou area. The operation serves as a deterrent to those involved in such activities and highlights the determination of Benin's law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and health.
Key points
- 42 people were arrested and 3 ghettos dismantled in Pahou, Benin, in a crackdown on substance abuse and trafficking.
