The Criminal, Economic and Financial Division has ruled in the case of the drug seizure at Félix Houphouët-Boigny (FHB) Airport. A South African national, arrested with a large quantity of narcotics, was found guilty of international drug trafficking.

The verdict

The court handed down a sentence combining prison time and heavy financial penalties:

1. Prison sentence: 5 years imprisonment.
2. Fine: 10 million FCFA.
3. Damages and interest: 5 million FCFA to be paid to the State of Ivory Coast.
4. Additional sanction: Ban from residing in Ivory Coast for a period of 5 years after the end of his sentence.

Note: The prosecution initially sought a 10-year prison sentence, but the court ultimately halved it.

The facts: a booby-trapped package containing 700 million FCFA

The defendant, a businesswoman by profession, was arriving from Singapore . During customs, a scanner revealed 8.3 kg of heroin concealed in her suitcase. The street value of the drugs is estimated at approximately 697.2 million FCFA .

A scenario of manipulation?

In her defense, the convicted woman pleaded ignorance. She claimed she had agreed to transport the package on behalf of an acquaintance, in exchange for a reward of $4,000 and accommodation provided.

According to him, the operation seemed "official":

1. The sender reportedly assured him that the package was intended for the Ivorian police.
2. Upon arrival , a man in uniform helped her with the formalities, boosting her confidence.
3. The escape: As soon as the luggage arrived on the conveyor belt, her mysterious accomplice disappeared, leaving her alone to face the customs officers.

The defendant received the verdict without apparent emotion before being transferred to the Abidjan Detention and Correction Center (MACA). This case illustrates once again the risks faced by "mules" recruited by international drug trafficking networks.