The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (Adsu) in Mauritius has intensified its investigation into the smuggling of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis from Thailand, arresting 18 suspects, including a Mauritian-British national, Nishal, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation. The cannabis was transported to Mauritius on a Thai-flagged yacht, the Dreamer, which offloaded its cargo off the coast of Ile Ronde on October 20. Authorities have yet to recover the consignment.
Nishal, who previously lived in the eastern part of Mauritius, has a history with the Adsu, having been arrested in 2012 for attempting to smuggle 20.48 grams of ganja into the country. After leaving Mauritius for the UK and later Thailand, he is believed to have established a nightclub in Phuket and developed ties with local networks. Recent seizures of cannabis at Plaisance airport have linked Nishal to several smuggling operations between Thailand, the UK, and Mauritius.
The Adsu, assisted by the Field Intelligence Office (FIO), is conducting infiltration operations to gather intelligence on local drug trafficking networks and locate the missing cannabis consignment. Authorities suspect that the cargo may have been distributed among various local networks. The investigation has led to the arrest of several individuals, including Roy Dan Dussoye, who is believed to be close to Nishal, and Kathy Hermance.
A villa in Trou-d'Eau-Douce was raided on October 23, resulting in the seizure of 792 grams of cannabis worth Rs 1,425,600 and the arrest of Dussoye and Hermance. Authorities suspect that this cannabis may have originated from the Dreamer's consignment. A third suspect, who owns a speedboat, was also arrested in the eastern part of the island on suspicion of having received the cannabis cargo.
Two National Coast Guard (NCG) officers, Kevin Rangilal and Bhavish Dhruv Bhunjun, are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the smuggling operation. Rangilal is accused of providing information to the Dreamer's crew, while Bhunjun is suspected of leaking confidential documents. Their roles in the operation are being probed.
The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects to 18, including nine Thai nationals. Bryan Fu Kin Lew Tin Wah, an employee at the port area, was arrested on suspicion of transporting three men to Ile Ronde to collect cannabis shipments. He has been charged with conspiracy and is being held in police custody.
The Adsu has seized a speedboat believed to have been used in the smuggling operation and is continuing its investigation to recover the missing cannabis consignment. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Nishal, who is believed to be hiding in Thailand. His role as the alleged mastermind behind the smuggling operation is being probed.
Key points
- Eighteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the smuggling of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis into Mauritius.
- Authorities suspect that the cannabis consignment may have been distributed among local networks.
- The investigation has implicated two National Coast Guard officers in the smuggling operation.
