Wagner group’s tramadol trade fuels power in central africa
The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has cemented its influence in the Central African Republic through a lucrative tramadol trafficking network, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal. This illicit operation has provided the group with a fresh lease on life, transforming it into what some describe as an “empire of drugs” in the region.
Originally prescribed for mild to moderate pain, tramadol in Central Africa is being repackaged into a highly concentrated form, making it a potent stimulant. Its reputation as the “poor man’s cocaine” has made it a sought-after commodity, fueling Wagner’s operations and expanding its reach beyond national borders.
Wagner’s enduring presence in Central Africa
Despite the death of founder Evgueni Prigojine in 2023 and the rise of Russia’s Africa Corps under the Kremlin’s defense ministry, Wagner remains a dominant force in Bangui. With approximately 500 fighters now under the leadership of Prigojine’s son, Pavel, the group continues to wield significant power in the country.
The Central African Republic’s strategic advantages—its mineral wealth (gold, diamonds, uranium) and vast forests, coupled with minimal scrutiny from Western governments—create an environment ripe for illicit activities. Wagner has capitalized on this by controlling gold mines, generating an estimated $180 million (€160 million) in annual profits from illegal mineral exports, as reported by Global Initiative.
A dual strategy: drugs and minerals
Wagner’s operations extend beyond mining. The group has established a tramadol smuggling route, transporting the drug from the Democratic Republic of the Congo via river networks into Central Africa. From there, it is distributed through local markets, with Wagner overseeing logistics—even exporting it to neighboring countries at inflated prices.
The group’s reach includes supplying tramadol to elite presidential guards, members of the “Sharks” militia (a pro-Russian armed group patrolling the capital), gold miners working under Wagner’s control, and opposition sympathizers. The drug is also reportedly given to combatants involved in counter-insurgency operations to “enhance their combat performance”.
Expansion into Sudan?
Experts quoted by The Wall Street Journal warn of Wagner’s potential expansion into neighboring Sudan, leveraging ties with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF’s operations near the Central African Republic’s borders could serve as a gateway for Wagner’s influence to spread further across the region.
