Mauritian Teenage Smuggler Intercepted at SSR Airport with Rs 34 Million Drug Haul

An 18-year-old Mauritian national has been arrested at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport after authorities discovered suspected synthetic drugs worth an estimated Rs 34 million hidden in his luggage.

The operation, which took place at approximately 8:35 am on Monday, 26 January, led to the detention of Darell Samuel Cadjee.

The teenager, a resident of Cité Roche-Bois, had just arrived on a flight from London Heathrow.

The Seizure

Following a joint profiling exercise by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) Metropolitan North and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Section (MRA), officers conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s belongings. The search uncovered:

• 2.2kg of suspected synthetic drugs: Concealed within three plastic cosmetic cream jars.
• Electronic evidence: Two mobile phones.
• Travel documents: Two boarding passes.
• Currency: A £50 note.

Mr Cadjee, who is listed as having no declared profession, has been charged with the importation of dangerous drugs with intent to traffic.

“Mule or Mastermind?”

The arrest has sparked an immediate debate within police and judicial circles regarding the exploitation of vulnerable youths by organized criminal syndicates.

Investigators are currently probing whether the teenager is a high-level trafficker or merely a “mule” recruited by a network operating between Europe and Mauritius.

Key lines of inquiry include:

• Whether this was the suspect’s first international trip.
• The source of funding for the airfare.
• The financial reward promised for the delivery.

Strategic Crackdown

The ADSU has confirmed that the seized mobile phones will undergo forensic analysis to identify foreign contacts and local accomplices.

DNA testing and further examinations are also scheduled.

This high-profile interception aligns with Objective 1 of the Police Strategic Plan 2026–2028, which focuses on tightening border controls to dismantle trafficking networks.

While the 18-year-old remains in custody, the investigation continues with the aim of identifying the architects behind the shipment.

Source: l’Express