Police Officer and French National Arrested in Rs 50 Million Airport Drug Bust

A police officer and a 27-year-old French woman have been taken into custody following the seizure of 16.4kg of narcotics at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport.

The joint operation, conducted by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Section, uncovered 58 plastic packages hidden within a suitcase.

The haul, valued at approximately RS 50 million, consisted of 18 packets of cannabis and 40 packets of hashish.

The Interception

The seizure took place on Monday, 23 March, following the arrival of a flight from Paris. Authorities grew suspicious when a piece of luggage remained unclaimed on the carousel in the arrivals hall.

The suitcase, identified as belonging to the 27-year-old female passenger, was subjected to an X-ray scan.

A subsequent physical search by officers revealed the hidden drugs, leading to the immediate launch of an enforcement operation.

Alleged Police Involvement

In a significant development, a police officer was arrested for his alleged role as an accomplice. Investigators monitoring the terminal spotted the officer tailing the French national from the immigration desk through to the exit of the arrivals hall.

The female suspect reportedly left the airport grounds in a private vehicle before the arrests were finalised.

Conflicting Accounts

Under interrogation, the detained officer denied independent involvement, claiming he was acting on the instructions of a colleague who had ordered him to shadow the passenger.

While the officer remains in detention, a search of his residence yielded no further incriminating evidence.

Investigations are ongoing to identify any further links within the force or the wider trafficking network.

Source: Defi Media