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Drug Bust: Rs 25 Million Worth of Cannabis in Washing Machines

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Drug Bust: Rs 25 Million Worth of Cannabis in Washing Machines
Image source: Defi Media

On Monday, October 28, law enforcement officials seized 20 kilograms of cannabis concealed within washing machines at the Port of Port-Louis, with the street value estimated at Rs 25 million. The drugs were shipped from South Africa, and the recipient’s address was listed as a retirement home in the northern region of the island. However, police investigations revealed that this address was likely a ruse.

The discovery, made on October 28, occurred shortly after a container ship from South Africa docked in the harbor on Friday.

For several months, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) of Curepipe, led by Inspector Gokhool along with Sergeants Soomaroo and Sahody, had been gathering intelligence about this incoming shipment.

To tackle the situation, a covert operation was conducted on Monday involving collaboration between the Special Striking Team (SST), the ADSU of Curepipe, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS).

Under the direction of Superintendent Ashik Jagai from the SST, authorities discreetly monitored the customs clearance of the container.

Acting on the intelligence they had received, police quickly focused their attention on the newly purchased washing machines stored within the container, as they had reason to believe they were being used as a concealment method for illegal substances.

Although nothing appeared amiss at first glance, further examination revealed numerous packages filled with cannabis.

The packages were confiscated and transported to police headquarters at the Central Barracks.

Investigators discovered that the drug shipment was registered to a retirement home located in Pamplemousses.

A subsequent search of the facility took place on the same day, but the intended recipient of the drugs was nowhere to be found, raising suspicions that the provided address was merely a cover.

Assistant Police Commissioner Dunraz Gungadin emphasized at a press conference that “the drugs were imported in the name of a home.

They use all sorts of tactics to smuggle drugs into the country. This method is employed by drug importers to avoid detection.”

The seized drugs will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Réduit for analysis, with DNA samples also collected from the packaging.

Source: Defi Media

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