Nigerian Student Jailed for 15 Years in Mauritius Over Heroin Trafficking

A Nigerian part-time student in Mauritius has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to heroin trafficking.

Chidi Tobias Umegboro received the sentence on Wednesday from Judge Iqbal Maghooa, sitting in the Assizes court, after admitting to the possession of 194.5g of heroin intended for local market distribution, alongside the illegal possession of Rs 91,900 in cash.

In his judgement, Judge Maghooa issued a strong warning about drug trafficking in Mauritius, stressing the need for severe penalties.

“I consider that there is a great public interest that drug traffickers be treated with the utmost severity. The drug trade is a curse on our country and is ruining people’s future, especially the young,” the judge wrote.

The judge asserted that drug trafficking is a serious offence, stating, “it is clear that the accused was involved in a chain of distribution,” before imposing the 15-year term.

Umegboro was arrested on 11 March 2020 while walking on the road in Flic-en-Flac.

Officers from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) intercepted him, searched a plastic bag he was carrying, and discovered pellets of heroin.

A subsequent search of his home uncovered and led to the seizure of the Rs 91,900 cash.

Source: l’Express