Cotonou: seven arrests and psychotropic substances seized near PK3 market by Republican Police

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, at around 6 pm, a team from the 1st arrondissement police station in Cotonou carried out a targeted raid around the modern PK3 market, commonly known as “new Missèbo.”

The operation focused on high-traffic areas, targeting in particular gutters and corners suspected of serving as hideouts for the sale and use of prohibited products. During the operation, seven individuals were apprehended.

According to information provided by police authorities, the suspects, most of whom work as touts in the area, are being prosecuted for possession, sale and use of cannabis and psychotropic substances.

Tablets, cannabis and cash seized

Searches and body checks carried out on the spot allowed law enforcement to seize a significant quantity of illicit products:

• Psychotropic tablets under the brands “King Royal” and “King Feu”;
• Balls of cannabis;
• Consumption devices known as “Kocha” as well as “We Top” packaging.

A total sum of 106,125 CFA francs was also confiscated. Police suspect this amount comes directly from the illicit trade of these substances.

All seized products and items were placed under seal for transmission to the judicial authorities. The seven suspects were taken to the police station and placed in custody for the purposes of the investigation.