CANS Uncovers Rs 20.6 Million Worth of Cannabis in Warehouse

In a significant drug bust, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) has seized a large shipment of cannabis at a logistics warehouse in Baie-du-Tombeau, amounting to an estimated Rs 20.6 million. This operation highlights a cunning method employed by international drug traffickers, which has recently come under authorities’ scrutiny.

On December 9, customs officers were conducting routine inspections of shipments in transit and stored within local warehouses when they encountered a suspicious parcel originating from South Africa.

Although the package was labeled as containing fertilizers, customs officials sensed something amiss and decided to investigate further.

This particular shipment was intended for Madagascar.

Upon examining the parcel, customs officers discovered that its contents were concealed within bags of fertilizer.

A thorough inspection revealed 16 carefully hidden packets containing cannabis, which were confirmed through preliminary testing.

The customs detection dog, K9, also positively reacted to the substance, further substantiating their suspicions.

The seized cannabis weighed a net total of 17.2 kilograms and has a street value of Rs 20.6 million.

As a result of this discovery, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Anti-Drug Brigade.

Customs officials have increasingly focused on this drug trafficking route due to a series of cannabis seizures in transit.

In late July, for instance, the Anti-Drug Smuggling Unit (ADSU) in Saint-Pierre uncovered a similar scheme.

They found 11.5 kilograms of cannabis concealed within sound system equipment and a washing machine, all destined for the Malagasy market. This haul was valued at nearly Rs 14 million.

The ongoing vigilance by customs authorities signifies their commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting the community from the harmful impacts of illicit substances.

Source: Defi Media