Cocaine trafficking in Châtelet: one leader convicted, thirteen people tried
A cocaine and cannabis trafficking network active in Châtelet has resulted in the conviction of thirteen people. Bouvadi, recognised as the leader, received a three-year suspended prison sentence.
Drug network in Châtelet: Bouvadi convicted as chief, one acquitted
DHnet reports that cocaine and cannabis trafficking operating in a neighbourhood of Châtelet led thirteen people before the Charleroi regional court this Wednesday morning.
The case dates back to November 2024, when the Aiseau-Presles/Châtelet/Farciennes police zone was alerted to the existence of a trafficking operation directed by a man named Lorenzo, active since April in the sector. Accomplices were quickly identified.
In early 2025, investigators implemented targeted surveillance. They observed Lorenzo conducting numerous transactions with drug addicts and making very brief visits to various addresses. Phone tapping subsequently allowed the identification of other network participants.
On 4 February 2025, Lorenzo was arrested following a shooting incident in Châtelineau. The trafficking did not stop. The phone taps then revealed that Bouvadi, nicknamed "the Chechen", took command, supported by Sébastien. Other individuals emerged through ongoing surveillance and raids.
In total, thirteen people were prosecuted. For the prosecution, the case demonstrated an organised structure with clearly defined roles. Substitute prosecutor Teixeira detailed the hierarchy: a trafficking chief, two successors following the arrest of the initial leader, deliverymen, holders and sellers. She valued the network's illicit proceeds at more than €146,000.
Before the judge, Lorenzo acknowledged having taken up drug dealing "because he had no other options". Bouvadi and Sébastien, for their part, strongly denied having exercised a leadership role. The prosecution requested five years in prison against Lorenzo and four years against Bouvadi and Sébastien.
The court only retained the aggravating circumstance of leading a criminal association for Bouvadi. He is sentenced to three years in prison, with a simple five-year suspended sentence — a sentence identical to that imposed on Lorenzo. Sébastien benefits from a five-year probationary suspended sentence, with thirty months in prison.
Among the thirteen defendants, one received an acquittal. The others are subject to a probationary suspended sentence, a simple suspension of sentence or a community service order.
Source: DHnet