58-Year-Old Woman Faces Charges for Drug Trafficking After Airport Arrest

A 58-year-old woman in a wheelchair was arrested at Mauritius’ Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport after being caught with synthetic drugs worth an estimated Rs 8 million (£142,000). Marie Anne Pavade, who had arrived from Reunion Island, appeared in court on Sunday, August 24, and remains in custody.

The drug-smuggling plot was uncovered by officers from the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (Adsu) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section on Saturday, August 23.

Authorities were monitoring Pavade and her 73-year-old husband, a Reunion national, who were both in wheelchairs and accompanied by clinic attendants.

The couple, who reside in Salazie, Reunion, had been given priority during immigration and health procedures.

After collecting their luggage, Adsu officers intercepted the couple and began a thorough search of their bags.

Inside a cooler bag belonging to Pavade, officers discovered 99 damp A4-sized sheets of paper, which had a strong chemical smell.

The papers, which had been concealed within a health booklet and invoices, were later confirmed to be saturated with high-purity synthetic drugs.

Following the discovery, Pavade and her husband were questioned. The husband was released after Pavade exonerated him from any involvement in the drug importation.

Pavade, whose Mauritian address is listed as Batterie-Cassée, Roche-Bois, was taken into custody.

She was charged with drug trafficking and appeared at the Port-Louis tribunal on Sunday, August 24.

Pavade is currently being held at the Vacoas police station and is due to appear before the Mahébourg court on Monday, August 25, for further questioning in the presence of her lawyer.

Source: Defi Media