Mauritius authorities are investigating a presumed large-scale cannabis smuggling operation from Thailand, with a focus on a yacht called the Dreamer. According to the investigation, a 1.5-tonne cargo of cannabis was allegedly transferred from the Dreamer to speedboats off the coast of Mauritius. The operation is believed to have taken place on October 19-20, with the drugs being landed at Baie-du-Tombeau and in the east of the country.
The investigation, led by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (Adsu), is trying to reconstruct the movement of the drugs and the information that facilitated their transportation. On October 20, the Dreamer reported a technical fault near the island of Ronde, which drew the attention of the National Coast Guard (NCG). The NCG launched an operation with Adsu, and the Dreamer was tracked to Baie-du-Tombeau, where it was sealed off. However, no drugs were found on board.
After the arrest of the captain, Suriya Samanboot, a Thai national, investigators examined his phone and found messages and documents that shed light on the operation. The phone contained messages about the movements of NCG boats and alleged "green lights" or authorizations. Photos and videos of suspected cannabis sacks and transshipment operations were also found. A confidential document, titled "List of Yacht 18.10.26.doc," was also discovered, which is believed to be a NCG document.
The investigation is focusing on a possible leak of information, with the transmission of the confidential document leading to the arrest of Constable Kevin Rangilal, 27, from the NCG's Operations Room. Investigators are examining the operations of the room on October 19-20 to determine if confidential information on boat movements and maritime surveillance was communicated to an intermediary and then to the Dreamer captain.
The intermediary, who remains unidentified, is believed to have played a role in relaying information between a NCG officer and the captain. The investigation aims to establish the individual's role and the circumstances of the alleged smuggling operation. On October 31, the police reported that 17 people had been arrested in connection with the case, including nine Thai nationals, two NCG officers, and six local residents.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to establish individual responsibilities and the circumstances of the alleged smuggling operation. The Adsu and NCG are working together to gather evidence and identify those involved. The case has raised concerns about the security of Mauritius' borders and the potential for corruption within the NCG.
The authorities have not released further details about the investigation, but it is believed that more arrests may be made in the coming days. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime and corruption. The investigation will continue to focus on gathering evidence and bringing those responsible to justice.
Key points
- 17 people arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling operation.
- Confidential NCG document found on the phone of the Dreamer captain.
- Investigation ongoing to establish individual responsibilities and circumstances of the alleged smuggling operation.
