A coast guard constable in Mauritius has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to import drugs. Constable Kevin Rungilal, who has been serving with the National Coast Guard for five years, is accused of passing confidential surveillance details to the crew of the yacht Dreamer. This allowed the yacht to carry out a large-scale cannabis smuggling operation, with approximately 1.5 tonnes of cannabis being transported.
The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) has made several arrests in connection with the smuggling operation, including nine Thai nationals and five Mauritians. The Thai captain of the yacht, Suriya Samanboot, has appeared in court. According to investigators, data from his phone led to the identification of the coast guard constable who was allegedly involved in the smuggling operation.
The ADSU has also detained a second coast guard officer who is suspected of helping the yacht enter Mauritian waters. Three boats, including the Dreamer, are currently in police custody. The investigation into the smuggling operation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the extent of the involvement of coast guard personnel.
In a separate incident, police in Mauritius have made the first arrests in connection with the fatal beating of Selven Iyempermal, a 32-year-old man from Vacoas. Six suspects, who were reportedly wearing hoods, forced their way into a house and demanded money before beating Iyempermal and a friend who tried to intervene.
The autopsy report indicates that Iyempermal died from haemorrhagic shock caused by his injuries. Police have questioned six people in connection with the incident and have also sought the assistance of Abbas Doorgahed, who runs a local center. The authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal beating.
In other news, the Supreme Court of Mauritius has rejected two constitutional challenges to the pension reform brought in by the Finance Act 2025. The challenges, which were brought by a couple who argued that the gradual increase in the pension age from 60 to 65 would result in a loss of Rs 1,365,000, were deemed to be no longer relevant.
Air Mauritius has reported a profit of Rs 4.1 billion for the financial year 2025-2026, marking a significant turnaround from previous years. The airline's equity has also returned to positive territory, nearing Rs 1.37 billion. However, the airline's board is already preparing for next year's fuel bill, which is expected to be a challenge.
Key points
- A Mauritius coast guard constable has been arrested for allegedly helping a yacht carrying 1.5 tonnes of cannabis evade patrols.
- Police in Mauritius have made the first arrests in connection with the fatal beating of Selven Iyempermal.
- Air Mauritius has reported a profit of Rs 4.1 billion for the financial year 2025-2026.
