Côte d’Ivoire: Former Abidjan Anti-Drug Chief Jailed for Diverting Seized Cocaine

The former head of the anti-drug unit at the Port of Abidjan, Armand Agnin Angbonon, along with his brother and a gendarmerie officer, has been sentenced to five years in prison for diverting seized cocaine.

The ruling was delivered by a criminal court on March 5, following a closed-door trial that began in November 2024.

The case dates back to February 2021, when authorities seized 1.56 tonnes of cocaine worth 25 billion CFA francs (around 38 million euros). Investigations later revealed that at least ten bags, around 220 kg, had been illegally taken from the confiscated shipment.

The scheme was exposed in July 2022 after the arrest of a drug dealer known as “Abou,” who was found with 37 grams of cocaine. He claimed to be an informant for the anti-drug unit but also admitted to selling drugs on their behalf.

Further inquiries showed that under Angbonon’s orders, a portion of the seized cocaine was regularly diverted and resold. As the commander of the unit, he was responsible for reporting drug seizures, which allowed him to manipulate records.

Six other gendarmes were prosecuted in the case but were acquitted.  According to Le Monde, their lawyer stated that they only followed orders and did not suspect wrongdoing. He also explained that the money they were accused of receiving was an official bonus for the drug bust.

The sentencing marks a step in Côte d’Ivoire’s fight against corruption and drug-related crimes.

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