Police Seize Drugs Worth Rs 409,750 in Early Morning Raid

Anti-narcotics officers have seized a significant haul of hard drugs, including crystal meth and heroin, during a targeted dawn raid in the Karo Kalyptis.

The operation, which took place at approximately 05:00, resulted in the arrest of Aladin Castel, a 55-year-old bricklayer.

The raid was spearheaded by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), with tactical support from the Special Supporting Unit (SSU) and MARCOSS, following “credible intelligence” regarding illicit activity at the property.

Significant Drug Seizure

During the search of the suspect’s residence, investigators recovered a diverse cache of controlled substances.

The primary focus of the seizure involved high-dependency “hard drugs,” including:

• 148 doses (foils) of suspected methamphetamine (crystal meth).
• One parcel of heroin weighing 5.4 grams, alongside an additional 135 individual doses.
• 61 doses of suspected cannabis.

Authorities estimated the total market value of the haul at Rs 409,750.

However, officials noted that the financial value is secondary to the public health risk posed by the interception of such addictive substances.

Prescription Medication Misuse

Beyond the illicit narcotics, police discovered a substantial quantity of prescription medications often diverted for illegal use or dangerous “cocktailing.” The inventory included:

• 667 Valium (Diazepam) tablets.
• 236 Pregabalin tablets.
• 231 Rivotril (Clonazepam) tablets, plus 15ml of the medication in liquid form.

Ongoing Investigation

Mr. Castel was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. While the initial swoop has been deemed a success, the ADSU confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Detectives are now working to map out the wider distribution network and identify any potential accomplices linked to the suspect.

Source: Le Mauricien