Police Seize 5 Vehicles in Sainte-Croix During Strategic Raid on Illegal Racing

Police have launched a new tactical offensive against illegal street racing and noise pollution, resulting in the seizure of several vehicles during a raid on a garage in Sainte-Croix. Officers acting under the direction of Superintendent Domun, Operation Manager for the Port Louis North Division, descended on a workshop located on Capitaine Pontre Avenue on Friday, 23 January.

The operation is part of a strategic shift by authorities to target workshops suspected of housing and modifying motorcycles for illicit rallies.

The Raid and Seizures

Upon entering the premises, police discovered approximately 20 motorcycles in various states of repair, with some completely dismantled.

The manager of the garage was found to be operating with a Business Registration Number (BRN) that had expired in 2023.

Furthermore, the individual was unable to produce a required register identifying the owners of many of the vehicles on-site.

While the manager claimed the bikes were simply there for mechanical repairs, he was ordered to contact customers to prove ownership.

Owners were required to present their identity documents and “Horse Power” registration papers before their vehicles could be released.

The operation resulted in the seizure of:

• One Suzuki quad bike
• Four motorcycles (Pulsar and Honda brands)

These vehicles, for which no owners could be identified, were towed to the Abercrombie Police Headquarters.

Hostile Confrontation

The police action faced significant local resistance. A hostile crowd gathered at the scene in an attempt to obstruct the operation, forcing officers to call for reinforcements from the Special Supporting Unit (SSU) to maintain order and ensure the vehicles could be removed safely.

Ongoing Investigation

The garage manager was taken to the station for questioning and subsequently allowed to return home.

However, he is expected to report to the Abercrombie Police Headquarters today, Monday, for further interrogation.

The Port Louis police have indicated that this field-based approach of scouting and raiding suspected workshops will remain a key component of their strategy to eliminate illegal rallies and the associated noise disturbances in the capital.

Source: Defi Media