Farmer Moussa Ba and mechanic Pape Sarr appeared before the judges of the criminal chamber of the Mbour High Court. They are being prosecuted for criminal conspiracy and domestic trafficking of Indian hemp.

On the night of November 9-10, 2022, officers from the Joal-Fadiouth gendarmerie, on patrol, stopped a taxi. Inside was Pape Sarr in possession of 10 kg of cannabis. Questioned at the scene, he stated that he had purchased the contraband from Moussa Ba for 600,000 CFA francs. The gendarmes then went to the farmer's home. A search of the premises led to the seizure of an additional 3 kg of cannabis and 845,000 CFA francs in cash.

At the hearing, Pape Sarr claimed he was simply delivering the package he received from Moussa Ba to someone named Moussa Mbaye. This version of events was challenged by the prosecutor, who pointed out that this name had never been mentioned during the investigation.

For his part, Moussa Ba is adopting a strategy of total denial. He denies knowing Pape Sarr, contests any involvement in the trafficking, and claims to suffer from mental health issues accompanied by hallucinations. He does, however, acknowledge the presence of the 840,000 CFA francs and the motorcycle found at his home.

The prosecution is requesting a 10-year prison sentence.

For the prosecution, the charges are sufficiently substantiated and confirm the existence of a drug trafficking operation. The prosecutor requested 10 years' imprisonment for the two defendants. Defense attorney Aboubacry Deh argued for a lesser charge of pretrial detention, rejecting the notion of a structured network.

Attorney Oumar Sène points out that a medical report confirms Moussa Ba's drug use, which explains his client's hallucinations. He argues that his client can only be prosecuted for possession of the drugs found at his home. He pleads for a charge of possession for use or for offering and supplying drugs, which carries a lighter sentence.

The court has adjourned its verdict until December 19th.