Police Arrest 3 Suspects over Rs 94.5 Million Airport Cannabis Smuggling

A major anti-drug operation at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport in Plaisance has resulted in the seizure of 62.5 kilograms of cannabis worth an estimated Rs 94.5 million, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

The joint operation was launched on Thursday, 4 June, targeting passengers arriving on an Air Mauritius flight originating from London-Gatwick.

Officers from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and Customs intercepted two passengers immediately as they disembarked the aircraft.

The travellers were escorted to the offices of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) for a thorough search after luggage scanners detected anomalies in the four suitcases they were carrying.

Upon closer inspection of the baggage, customs officials discovered approximately 62.5 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside. The two suspects were arrested at the scene.

During subsequent interrogation, the detained passengers implicated a third man who had travelled on the same flight from London but had already managed to leave the airport precincts.

A coordinated follow-up operation by the ADSU and the Traffic Branch was quickly triggered, successfully tracking down and arresting the third suspect shortly afterwards.

An investigation has now been opened to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the smuggling attempt and to identify any further accomplices involved in the importation network.

Source: Defi Media