An “empire of drugs” is flourishing in the heart of Central Africa, and the Russian paramilitary group Wagner is at its core. According to The Wall Street Journal, the group has seized a lucrative opportunity in the Republic of Central Africa by leveraging the tramadol trade to regain momentum after recent setbacks.
The rebranded opioid, often prescribed for mild pain, is being repackaged and concentrated into a highly potent form—earning it the nickname “poor man’s cocaine.” This transformation turns a legitimate medication into a dangerous stimulant, fueling Wagner’s operations in a region where oversight is minimal.
Despite the death of its founder, Evgueni Prigojine, in 2023 and the rise of Africa Corps under Russia’s Defense Ministry, Wagner remains firmly entrenched in Bangui. With around 500 operatives—now led by Prigojine’s son, Pavel—the group continues to wield significant influence in the country.
The Central African Republic’s weak governance, abundant natural resources (including gold, diamonds, and uranium), and dense forests create an ideal environment for Wagner’s illicit activities. Reports from the Global Initiative estimate the group’s annual gold mining profits alone at $180 million (approximately €160 million), while its control over state institutions further strengthens its dominance.
tramadol and illicit gold: Wagner’s dual revenue streams
Wagner’s operations extend beyond mining. The group has established a tramadol trafficking network, sourcing the drug from the Democratic Republic of the Congo via river routes. Once in Central Africa, it floods local markets, with Wagner overseeing distribution—even exporting it to neighboring countries at inflated prices.
According to reports, Wagner supplies tramadol to “elite presidential guards, pro-Russian militias like the ‘Sharks,’ opposition supporters, and gold miners working for the group.” The drug is also reportedly used by combatants in counter-insurgency operations to “bolster morale and aggression in battle.”
Experts quoted in The Wall Street Journal warn that Wagner’s influence could spread further into neighboring Sudan, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are expanding operations near the Central African border.