On October 29, 2026, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and the Maritime Intelligence Cell of the National Coast Guard in Mauritius announced the seizure of approximately 1.5 tons of cannabis and hashish. The drugs, valued at Rs 2.7 billion, were found on a yacht flying the Thai flag, which had traveled from Thailand. The operation involved the arrest of seven Thai nationals and raised questions about potential connections to recent unrest in the country.
The yacht, named Dreamer, was allegedly used to transport two separate shipments of cannabis and hashish. According to investigators, the vessel took a route from Thailand to Mauritius, where it was intercepted by coast guards off the coast of Baie-du-Tombeau. Authorities are working to determine the exact origin of the cargo, how it was transported, and who was responsible for receiving it. The investigation also aims to establish whether the two shipments were part of the same operation and destined for the same distribution networks.
A key aspect of the investigation is the timing of the drug seizures, which coincided with disturbances in several regions of Mauritius from October 13 to 19. Authorities are exploring the possibility that the unrest was used as a diversion to facilitate the drug trafficking operation. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam had previously suggested that traffickers might be behind the tensions in the country. Investigators are now working to establish whether there is a direct link between the two events.
The investigation has identified a suspected mastermind behind the operation, who is believed to be a local resident. Authorities are working to confirm the identity and role of this individual, as well as their potential connections to the Thai nationals arrested. The probe also involves analyzing communication records, financial transactions, and contacts between the suspects and potential local intermediaries.
An eighth suspect, a Mauritian, was arrested at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on October 27, 2026, as he was preparing to leave the country. He is believed to be connected to the investigation into a conspiracy to import dangerous drugs. Authorities have also arrested a member of the coast guard, whose role in the operation is currently being investigated.
The analysis of evidence from the yacht, including electronic devices, photographs, and communication records, is expected to provide crucial information. Investigators are searching for proof of contacts between the yacht's occupants and local intermediaries, as well as confirmation of a coordinated plan for the two shipments. The goal is to reconstruct the entire logistics and financial chain of the operation.
Authorities are also working to determine whether part of the cargo was offloaded before the authorities intervened or if the two shipments were received at different times. The investigation may be aided by information from operations conducted in several regions of the island and seizures made. The ultimate goal is to identify all individuals involved in the operation and their roles.
Key points
- The seized drugs were valued at Rs 2.7 billion.
- Seven Thai nationals were arrested in connection with the seizure.
- Authorities are investigating potential links between the drug trafficking operation and recent unrest in Mauritius.
