65-Yr-Old Car Dealer, 1st Suspect Charged in Rs20 Million Drug Plot

Chandradeepsing Banee, a 65-year-old car rental company director, has been formally charged with financing drug dealing. He appeared in court in Curepipe on Monday, June 9.

Banee was arrested last Friday, 6th June, during an investigation by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). Authorities seized two of his vehicles: a Ford Raptor and a BMW.

He is suspected of working with Jimmy Alexis, who was arrested last week for money laundering.

During questioning, Alexis reportedly stated that he rented a Land Rover Defender from Banee for Rs 40,000 a week. Banee is also known for his involvement in car sales.

So far, Banee has not made any public statements regarding the charges.

The FCC suspecting his car rental business may be used to launder money from drug trafficking.

At Monday’s court hearing, the FCC opposed bail. Banee’s lawyer, Me Naushaad Malleck, filed a motion for release on bail, which will be discussed next Wednesday.

Under the law, anyone convicted under Article 45 of the FCC for drug trafficking financing faces a maximum fine of Rs 20 million and up to ten years in prison.

Source: Defi Media