British Videographer Held at SSR Airport with Rs 258 Million Synthetic Drugs

A 27-year-old British national is in custody after authorities at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport seized synthetic drugs with an estimated street value of MUR 258,000,000.

The seizure, which took place on Tuesday, 13 January, involved 16.8kg of synthetic drugs in paste form.

Officers from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and the Custom Anti-Narcotics Section intercepted the suspect following his arrival on Emirates flight EK703 from Dubai.

The Arrest and Seizure

The suspect, identified as Elton Garcia Joao, a London-based videographer, was flagged by customs services upon landing at 19:05.

A subsequent search of his luggage revealed three plastic bags containing the illicit substance.

The drugs were found “ingeniously concealed” within protein powder packaging mixed among the suspect’s personal belongings.

Authorities noted that the sophisticated method of concealment and the sheer volume of the haul suggest the involvement of a structured international trafficking syndicate.

Investigation and Charges

Mr. Joao has been charged with drug dealing with aggravating circumstances and an averment of trafficking.

Investigators believe the suspect is not a mere “occasional mule.” The route taken—travelling from London through Dubai to Mauritius—indicates a strategic network operating across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean.

Failed Sting Operation

Following the arrest, the ADSU launched a controlled delivery operation between 13 and 20 January. The objective was to lure local contacts and the masterminds behind the shipment into the open.

However, the week-long surveillance operation ended without success. Police suggest that local accomplices may have been alerted to the arrest or aborted the pickup due to unforeseen circumstances.

Next Steps

The seized paste has been sent for scientific analysis to determine its exact chemical composition. Detectives are currently:

• Analysing the suspect’s mobile phone records.
• Reviewing his previous travel history.
• Tracing the precise origin of the cargo.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to dismantle the network linked to this record-breaking seizure.

Source: l’Express