A driver appeared before the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (Criet) in Benin on 19 October 2026. Authorities initiated the court proceedings following an incident in Kandi. Police officers intercepted the driver in the town and discovered 3,000 calibre 12 cartridges concealed inside his vehicle. The suspect remains in custody as the judicial process continues regarding the illegal ammunition seizure. This appearance on 19 October 2026 marked the commencement of formal legal scrutiny regarding the transport of these items.
Details of the Discovery
Police officers found the 3,000 calibre 12 cartridges concealed beneath items of clothing inside the vehicle. The discovery occurred during the inspection in Kandi, where authorities examined the contents of the transport. Officers identified the ammunition stashed under the garments as they searched the car. The driver remains held in custody as the case proceeds through the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme. Law enforcement personnel conducted the search directly within the town of Kandi, leading to the immediate seizure of the 3,000 calibre 12 cartridges. The physical state of the cargo, which was found hidden under clothing, serves as a primary piece of evidence currently under review by the court.
Defense Claims and Background
During the proceedings at the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme, the driver presented his account regarding the origin of the seized cargo. He stated that he had transported twelve passengers from Ghana and did not load the luggage himself into the vehicle. According to the driver, his role was limited to the operation of the transport, asserting that he lacked knowledge of the contents hidden beneath the garments. The driver emphasized that he was only responsible for the driving duties and had no involvement in the loading process for the items found by police.
Addressing his professional history, the driver maintained that he has been in the profession for over three decades. He offered this information to the court to establish his long-standing background in the transport sector. By citing his thirty-year career, the driver sought to provide context to the magistrates regarding his typical operational conduct.
Judicial officials decided to postpone the matter following the initial testimonies. The court adjourned the case to 23 November 2026. This date is set for the presentation of prosecution requisitions and the formal arguments from the defense team. The suspect will remain in custody until the scheduled hearing resumes. On 23 November 2026, the court will reconvene to hear the specific requisitions from the prosecution and the corresponding arguments from the defense, which will be critical for the next stage of the legal proceedings at the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme. Until that time, the driver will continue to be held in custody as the judicial investigation into the intercepted shipment remains active.
