Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner mercenaries remaining in… (цар · трамадол · вагнер)
Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner mercenaries remaining in Africa have created a drug empire — WSJ: PMC Wagner mercenaries left in the Central African Republic (CAR) have established a drug empire specializing in the smuggling and sale of tramadol, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Consensus
- Around 500 Wagner mercenaries remain in the Central African Republic (CAR) after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin.
- The group is led by Pavel Prigozhin, son of Yevgeny Prigozhin.
- Wagner-linked forces control the distribution of tramadol in CAR.
- Tramadol is smuggled into CAR from the Democratic Republic of Congo via the Ubangi River.
- Tramadol is used by local miners and armed groups in CAR.
- The trafficking of tramadol generates significant income for Wagner operatives.
- Wagner mercenaries are integrated into the CAR military and local militias.
Points of divergence
- Tramadol is used as a stimulant that suppresses fatigue, hunger, and fear; users enter a 'pharmacological trance' according to researcher Natalia Dukhan of GI-TOC. — mediazona
- Wagner-linked forces supply tramadol to the presidential guard of CAR and the youth militia 'Akulya,' which conducts armed patrols in Bangui and abuses opposition supporters. — mediazona
- The Wagner group earns $180 million annually from illegal gold exports, according to GI-TOC estimates. — mediazona
- In Cameroon, tramadol prices can triple; smugglers pay around $4,000 in bribes to Wagner-linked groups along the route. — mediazona
- Tramadol is sold in CAR at doses up to 200 mg per tablet, significantly higher than standard medical dosages of 50–100 mg. — tg_tvrain
- The increase in tramadol use in CAR coincides with a nearly 20% rise in battle-related deaths, according to data from Uppsala University. — tg_tvrain
Coverage (2 sources)
- WSJ: About 500 Wagner fighters led by Prigozhin's son create a 'drug empire' in CAR where they control tramadol opioid supplies — Медиазона
- Wagner Remnants in Africa Build Drug Empire — Дождь (Telegram)