Tramadol is a synthetic opioid medication prescribed for pain relief. However, the drug exhibits stimulant properties when taken in excessive doses, leading some sources to compare it to cocaine. The recommended medical dosage typically ranges from 50 to 100 milligrams.
Despite this standard, in the Central African Republic, tablets containing 200 milligrams or higher are available for purchase in both pharmacies and open markets. According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, the drug’s supply chain involves manufacturing in India, subsequent transport to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and then movement down the Ubangi River to the Central African Republic. The distribution within the republic is reportedly managed by mercenaries associated with the Wagner Group.
The drug is utilized by miners who work extended shifts in gold mines, operations that are also reportedly controlled by the Wagner Group. Furthermore, the substance is reportedly supplied to armed fighters. This pattern of distribution and usage highlights the drug’s role within the region’s illicit economy, moving far beyond its intended medical application.
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