10 years in prison required for “the masterminds” of cocaine trafficking

2 mins

For the floor, “ all the masterminds of drug trafficking » are before the court: Miguel Devesa, « the professional » according to the prosecutor who, during the hearings, confessedgiving many details on how he brought 3 tonnes of cocaine from Suriname, to then ship it to Europe.

At his side is Picabea Hector, “ the financier “, Gustavo Valencia, “lcertifying notary » goods and finally, Helbert Perez, the representative of the Colombian cartel.

This core would have relied on several personalities from San Pedro, according to the prosecution, which is thus convinced of the guilt of César Ouattara, member of the Regional Council, whom the prosecution presents as “ a key man of Miguel Devesa ” in that case. Just like the commander of the San Pedro naval base, Leïla Kouassi: “ his help was invaluable in providing information about the arrival of the French frigate in the port », Says the prosecution. This would have allowed Miguel Devesa to have the drugs arrive earlier and therefore avoid possible control. As for Commissioner Dosso Karamoko, he would have “iintentionally turned a blind eye to the activities of Miguel Devesa », Says the prosecutor.

The prosecution requested the release of Lamand Bakayoko, the former head of the San Pedro anti-drug police, who according to the prosecution was not part of this network.

The civil parties considered that drug trafficking caused significant social, financial, political and institutional harm. They requested the payment of several fines, the highest being 60 billion CFA francs against Miguel Devesa, considered the leader of this cartel.

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