A constable with the National Coast Guard (NCG) of Mauritius, Kevin Rungilal, has been arrested by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (Adsu) on suspicion of being involved in a plot to import 1.5 tonnes of cannabis into the country. Rungilal, who has about five years of service with the NCG, is believed to have played a significant role in the alleged trafficking operation. The arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation into the importation of the large quantity of cannabis from Thailand.
The investigation began on October 21, when Adsu officers, along with the NCG's maritime intelligence cell and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS), boarded the yacht Dreamer to verify its presence in Mauritian waters. Initial checks raised suspicions about the vessel's possible involvement in the importation of dangerous drugs. Although no incriminating evidence was found during the initial search, the Adsu took over the investigation. The yacht was subsequently searched, and 28,330 Thai baht, 1,865 Singaporean dollars, and 38,900 euros were seized.
A second NCG officer was also arrested on Thursday on suspicion of being in communication with the captain of the Dreamer and acting in concert with him to facilitate the yacht's access to Mauritian waters. The suspect is a colleague of Constable Kevin Rungilal, who has been provisionally charged with conspiracy to import drugs. The two officers are believed to have facilitated the operations of the alleged trafficking network. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on establishing the exact nature of their exchanges and the role of the second officer in the operation.
In addition to the two NCG officers, 13 other suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. Nine of them are Thai nationals, including the captain and six crew members of the Dreamer. Two other Thai nationals were arrested at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on Tuesday night as they attempted to leave the country. Four Mauritian suspects are also in custody, accused of recovering drug parcels in high seas and transporting them to shore using stolen boats.
The Adsu has confirmed that 15 suspects are now in custody, following the arrests of the two NCG officers. The investigation has also led to the seizure of three boats, including the yacht Dreamer, which are currently under police control. The authorities are examining the links between the suspects and the different vessels, as well as the modus operandi used to smuggle the cannabis into Mauritius.
The suspects, including the Thai nationals, appeared in court on Thursday and were provisionally charged with importing drugs. They were remanded in custody. The authorities have not released further details about the investigation, but it is believed that the trafficking network involved in the importation of the cannabis is extensive. The police are working to establish the full extent of the network and identify all those involved.
The Mauritian authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on disrupting and dismantling the trafficking networks operating in the country. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the authorities to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Mauritius. The police are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Key points
- A Mauritius National Coast Guard officer has been arrested on suspicion of complicity in the importation of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis from Thailand.
- A second NCG officer was also arrested on suspicion of being involved in the trafficking operation.
- The investigation has led to the arrest of 15 suspects and the seizure of three boats, including the yacht Dreamer.
