The objective of this study is to analyze the means and strategies of appropriation and control of drug trafficking territories by the actors of smoking rooms. Data collection through a questionnaire, an interview guide and indirect observation were the subject of a quantitative and qualitative analysis (content analysis) with a sample of 67 actors from 10 smoking rooms. It appears that the appropriation of territories by traffickers takes into account the quality of public infrastructure and the resilience strategies of the inhabitants of the area. Criminal violence (rape, intimidation, physical attacks and theft of property) is used strategically and systematically to control territories against rival groups, the police and contain the anger and denunciations of the population.
Keywords: Violence, territory control, Smoking room, Drugs, Abidjan.
