Approximately 500 former Wagner mercenaries remaining in the Central… (цар · вагнер · трамадол)
Approximately 500 former Wagner mercenaries remaining in the Central African Republic (CAR) after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin have established a narcotics empire centered on the illegal trafficking and distribution of tramadol, an opioid analgesic known as 'cocaine for the poor.' The group, led by Prigozhin's son Pavel, controls drug shipments from India via the Democratic Republic of Congo to CAR, where they also maintain dominance over gold mining operations and use profits to fund military activities.
Consensus
- Approximately 500 former 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.
- The Wagner-affiliated group controls the trafficking and distribution of tramadol in CAR.
- Tramadol is produced in India and transported via the Democratic Republic of Congo to CAR.
- Tramadol is sold in doses up to 200 mg per tablet, significantly higher than the standard medical dose of 50–100 mg.
- The drug is used by local miners and armed groups in CAR.
- The use of tramadol has coincided with a nearly 20% increase in fatalities during battles for control over regions in CAR.
- The group profits from both the illegal trafficking of tramadol and the illicit export of gold, estimated at $180 million annually.
Points of divergence
- The Wagner group maintains independence due to control over resources such as gold mines in CAR, despite Russian state takeover of other assets. — mediazona
- Wagner-linked fighters supply tramadol to the presidential guard and the 'Sharks' youth militia in CAR, which are involved in armed patrols around Bangui and violence against opposition supporters. — mediazona
- The group uses profits from drug trafficking to purchase weapons and expand influence. — mediazona
- Wagner-linked fighters distribute tramadol at doses of 200 mg, which is higher than the standard medical dose. — tg_astrapress
- The group also engages in illegal logging and gold trade as additional sources of income. — tg_astrapress
- Wagner's influence in CAR is so deep that neither the Kremlin nor local security forces can effectively act against them. — tg_astrapress
Coverage (4 sources)
- WSJ: About 500 Wagner fighters led by Prigozhin's son create a 'drug empire' in CAR where they control tramadol opioid supplies — Медиазона
- Former Wagner mercenaries create drug empire in CAR — ASTRA
- Wagner mercenaries remaining in Africa have created a drug empire — WSJ — Дождь
- Wagner Remnants in Africa Build Drug Empire — Дождь (Telegram)