Two alleged drug traffickers were placed under arrest warrant on November 20. First of all, it is Norvan Ibouabouda alias Nolito on the right. This 33-year-old Gabonese man and father of one child is being prosecuted under the provisions of article 408 of the Gabonese Code of Criminal Procedures. He would be one of the men who was contacted from Libreville by Ben Moctar, in order to receive a box containing 13 kg of cannabis.
“I agreed to collect the goods but I didn’t know what was inside. Arrived at the port when he told me it was hemp, I desisted already that I was imprisoned once for the tobacco candies, recognizes Norvan Ibouabouda alias nolito.
According to information from the Port-Gentil branch general research directorate, the goods were sent by a certain Ben Moctar. This Gabonese-Beninese is a long-time friend of the alleged drug trafficker. His delivery from Libreville to Port-Gentil is estimated at nearly 13 kg of cannabis with a market value of more than 3 million FCFA.
“It was Ben Moctar himself who told me to give the number of the package to Jordan. The agents weighed the goods and say that it makes 12 kg which could bring in 3 million. I sell sweets, I have never sold tobacco legs››, he specifies.
If Norvan Ibouabouda alias nolito would have withdrawn, this is not the case for Jospin Jordan Boutsana Pindi. This 23-year-old Gabonese on the left in the image, is according to investigators a drug dealer in the Massuku district area, in 1is borough. Contacted personally by Ben Moctar, for 50,000 FCFA, he was supposed to manage to get the package, still called “Congo tobacco”, out of the old port of the economic capital. Unfortunately for him, the DGR was on his trail and managed to get their hands on him.
“In the package it was cannabis that was inside. The package was in the name of a certain Grace, I was the transmission belt and I had to call someone to collect the goods. It was planned like this!››, specifies Jospin Jordan Boutsana Pindi.
As for Ben Moctar, searches have been launched and are continuing to arrest him.
Jean-Jacques Rovaria Djodji
2024-11-24 07:04:00
#alleged #drug #traffickers #gnouf #PortGentil
What are the implications of the recent drug trafficking arrests in Gabon for future law enforcement strategies against organized crime?
**Interview with Law Enforcement Expert on Recent Drug Trafficking Arrests in Gabon**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have with us Dr. Elodie Lemaire, a law enforcement policy expert focusing on drug trafficking in Central Africa. Dr. Lemaire, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Lemaire:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Recently, two alleged drug traffickers were placed under arrest warrants in Gabon, particularly Norvan Ibouabouda, who was allegedly contacted by a man named Ben Moctar to collect a package of 13 kg of cannabis. Can you provide some background on the significance of this case?
**Dr. Lemaire:** This case highlights a troubling trend in Gabon’s drug trafficking landscape. The seizure of cannabis, particularly in such quantities, indicates a structured effort to distribute illegal drugs in the region. It is not just an isolated incident; it reflects wider issues of organized crime that involve not just individuals but entire networks.
**Interviewer:** Ibouabouda claims that he was unaware of the contents of the package when he agreed to collect it. How common is this defense among accused traffickers?
**Dr. Lemaire:** It is quite common. Often, lower-level traffickers or couriers claim ignorance to mitigate their culpability. This raises essential questions about the roles individuals play in these networks—are they complicit or simply coerced into participation? However, regardless of their claims, the law takes these offenses seriously, especially given the significant quantities and values involved.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned organized crime networks. Can you elaborate on the role that figures like Ben Moctar might play in these operations?
**Dr. Lemaire:** Individuals like Ben Moctar often serve as intermediaries. They typically have established connections and may facilitate the transport of drugs, using trusted contacts to minimize risk. This use of personal relationships within trafficking operations is a classic strategy to distract law enforcement and operate under the radar.
**Interviewer:** How does the Gabonese legal framework address drug trafficking, particularly with the provision under article 408 of the Gabonese Code of Criminal Procedures?
**Dr. Lemaire:** Article 408 addresses the illegal possession and trafficking of narcotic substances, imposing heavy penalties including significant fines and imprisonment. This article reflects Gabon’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, although enforcement can be challenging. It’s crucial for law enforcement to not only make arrests but also to dismantle the networks behind these operations.
**Interviewer:** what can be done to combat the illicit trafficking of drugs like cannabis in Gabon?
**Dr. Lemaire:** Combating drug trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, and improving international cooperation. Furthermore, community programs aimed at educating citizens about the risks and legal repercussions of drug involvement are vital. Engaging local populations can help to reduce the demand and support for illicit drugs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lemaire, for your insights on this important issue.
**Dr. Lemaire:** Thank you for bringing attention to it.
