Police Seize Rs 12 Million Heroin Haul and Weapons in Roche-Terre Raid

A high-stakes operation by the Grand-Baie Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) has resulted in the arrest of a brother and sister following the seizure of heroin worth MUR 12 million, an arsenal of weapons, and luxury assets.

Jean Raymond Yohan Legentil and his sister, Marie Yoanna Suzette Legentil, were taken into custody during a coordinated raid targeting a sophisticated trafficking network in the north of the island.

The pair are set to appear before the Pamplemousses Court today to face charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and possession of firearms.

The Seizure

Officers uncovered a significant haul of illicit goods and high-value items during the search, including:

• Heroin with an estimated street value of MUR 12 million.
• A Ford Raptor 4×4 vehicle.
• A pistol and live ammunition.
• Several gold chains and thousands of rupees in cash (totaling over MUR 100,000).

Investigators stated that the sheer scale of the seizure highlights the “organisation and sophistication” of the criminal network, which was reportedly prepared to expand its operations across the northern region.

A Blow to Organised Crime

Police described the operation as a “severe blow” to local organised crime. This latest intervention follows a history of law enforcement action against similar syndicates.

In September 2020, several members of the Legentil family were previously arrested in the same region, establishing a precedent for the Financial Crimes Commission’s ongoing fight against money laundering and narcotics.

The ADSU noted that while this arrest sends a “strong message” to traffickers that authorities will not tolerate impunity, the resurgence of the family’s activities proves that constant vigilance remains essential.

Ongoing Investigation

The Grand-Baie ADSU team successfully secured all physical evidence and prevented any attempt by the suspects to flee.

While the two siblings remain in custody, detectives are continuing their investigations to trace the wider network and identify any accomplices who may still be at large.

Source: l’Express