The commissariat du 11ᵉ arrondissement de Cotonou conducted an operation in the marshy area of Vodjè on Monday, May 25, 2026, leading to one arrest and the seizure of psychotropic products. This targeted intervention, carried out by officers from the 11th arrondissement, focused on a specific location known for illicit activities. The intervention targeted a peripheral low-lying area, identified as a frequent gathering point for consumers and suspected drug dealers. This area, often characterized by its remoteness and natural cover, has become a known hub for such transactions. During the operation, authorities confiscated several psychotropic products along with material directly related to their consumption, marking a successful disruption of local drug activities. The swift action by the police resulted in the immediate apprehension of one individual and the removal of illicit substances from circulation.
Details of the Raid
Upon the police's arrival at the Vodjè site, a total of seven individuals were present. These individuals were engaged in various activities at what appeared to be an informal drug consumption and distribution point. However, the element of surprise was short-lived, as six of these individuals managed to escape through the surrounding bushes before any arrests could be made. The dense vegetation and marshy terrain of the area provided them with an opportunity to evade capture. During the subsequent search of the premises, officers discovered unconditioned Indian hemp (chanvre indien) at the location, indicating raw or unprocessed drug material.
Authorities also found several pre-packaged balls of cannabis, clearly prepared for distribution, suggesting an active dealing operation. The discovery of these pre-portioned quantities shows the commercial aspect of the activities taking place at the site. A cylindrical object, identified by the police as a tool specifically used for grinding cannabis, was among the items recovered, further confirming the nature of the illicit operations. This tool is commonly employed to process raw cannabis for consumption or packaging. Other items and materials, relevant to the processing and consumption of illicit substances, were also seized during the thorough search of the site, providing additional evidence for the ongoing investigation. The individual arrested was reportedly surprised in the act of consuming substances, caught red-handed by the approaching officers. At the time of the arrest, the suspect displayed visible signs consistent with the use of psychotropic substances, including altered behavior and physical indicators.
Context and Aftermath
The suspect was placed in custody at the 11th arrondissement police station following the operation, where they will undergo further questioning. Police indicated that the individual showed visible signs consistent with the use of psychotropic substances at the time of arrest, which supported the immediate apprehension. Investigations are currently underway to identify the other occupants of the Vodjè site who escaped during the raid. Authorities aim to locate these individuals, who fled into the surrounding bushes when officers arrived at the informal settlement, as their apprehension is key for dismantling the network operating in the area. The police are working to gather more information that could lead to the identification and capture of the six individuals who evaded arrest. The successful operation shows the commitment of the commissariat du 11ᵉ arrondissement de Cotonou to combating drug-related crime in the region.
Source of Information
The information regarding the operation was initially published by the official Facebook page of the Police républicaine. This public disclosure detailed the events of the raid, the specific substances seized, and the subsequent arrest of the individual. The Police républicaine's social media channels frequently serve as official outlets for disseminating updates on law enforcement activities and public safety initiatives in the region, providing transparency and informing the public about their efforts to maintain order and security. The consistent use of these platforms ensures that the public is kept abreast of significant police actions and outcomes.
