On October 29, the Mauritius Police Force announced the arrest of 14 individuals, including four Mauritians and a police officer assigned to the National Coast Guard, in connection with an investigation into an alleged drug importation plot involving the yacht "Dreamer". The arrests were made following a thorough inspection of the yacht on October 21, 2026, by officers from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), the Maritime Intelligence Cell of the National Coast Guard, and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Section.

The inspection of the yacht, which was conducted to determine the reasons for its presence in Mauritian waters, led to the seizure of 28,330 Thai bahts, 1,865 Singaporean dollars, and 38,900 euros. The captain and six crew members, all of Thai nationality, were taken into custody, and their mobile phones were confiscated for further investigation. The yacht was placed under police surveillance as part of the ongoing probe.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional Thai nationals at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, four Mauritians suspected of conspiring to import drugs, and a police officer assigned to the National Coast Guard. Two other boats potentially linked to the case were also placed under police control. The 14 individuals arrested were provisionally charged with drug-related offenses at the Port-Louis-South District Court and are currently in detention.

According to the Mauritius Police Force, the investigation has not yet confirmed reports that the yacht "Dreamer" made four trips between Mauritius and Thailand since the beginning of the year. The police have declined to provide further information due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. The authorities have emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking remains a priority, as outlined in their strategic plan for 2026-2028.

The alleged drug trafficking plot is believed to have involved a complex network of individuals and vessels. The police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released as it becomes available. The authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the investigation and to report any information that may be relevant to the case.

The Mauritius Police Force has assured the public that it is committed to combating drug trafficking and other serious crimes. The authorities have emphasized that they will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in the importation and distribution of illicit substances. The investigation into the alleged drug trafficking plot involving the yacht "Dreamer" is ongoing.

The 14 individuals arrested in connection with the alleged drug trafficking plot are currently facing provisional charges. The authorities have confirmed that they will be brought before the court as part of the ongoing investigation. The police have declined to provide further information on the individuals arrested or the charges they face.

Key points

  • 14 people, including four Mauritians and a police officer, arrested in connection with alleged drug trafficking involving yacht "Dreamer"
  • Authorities seize 28,330 Thai bahts, 1,865 Singaporean dollars, and 38,900 euros during inspection of yacht
  • Investigation ongoing, with police committed to combating drug trafficking and disrupting criminal networks

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.