The Russian paramilitary group Wagner has carved out an “empire of drugs” in the Central African Republic (CAR), with tramadol trafficking providing a major boost to its operations in this resource-rich nation.
Originally prescribed for mild pain, tramadol in CAR is illegally repackaged into a highly concentrated opioid, earning it the nickname “poor man’s cocaine.” Its potent effects have made it a lucrative commodity, fueling Wagner’s expanding footprint across the country.
Despite setbacks following the death of founder Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Wagner—now led by his son Pavel and numbering around 500 personnel—remains a dominant force in CAR. The group’s influence persists even as Moscow shifts toward the state-backed Africa Corps, which has not displaced Wagner’s operations in Bangui.
