Mauritius authorities have seized approximately 1.5 tonnes of cannabis and hashish valued at Rs 2.7 billion off the coast of Mauritius. The illicit cargo was intercepted and searched by coastguard officers off Baie-du-Tombeau. The drugs were being transported aboard a Thai-flagged charter yacht, Dreamer, on a route from Thailand to Mauritius.
Eight individuals linked to the vessel have been detained, including seven Thai nationals and a coastguard officer. The Thai nationals, including the yacht's captain, are set to appear before the Port Louis North Court on charges relating to a conspiracy to import dangerous drugs. The eighth suspect, a Mauritian, was interdicted at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.
The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and the National Coast Guard's Maritime Intelligence Cell are working to identify the alleged mastermind behind the maritime expedition, local intermediaries, and intended recipients of the goods. Investigators suspect a local Mauritian organizer funded the maritime journey and arranged for the drugs to be handed over to local distribution networks.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has pointed to the potential involvement of drug traffickers behind the tensions that shook several regions of the country between 13 and 19 October. Investigators are examining whether criminal networks intentionally took advantage of the unrest—and the resulting deployment of law enforcement across the island—to facilitate the receipt, unloading, or distribution of the narcotics.
Detectives are cross-referencing nautical movements, dates, and suspect communications to establish whether financial transfers, messages, or direct contacts link the organizers of the drug shipment to those involved in the October disturbances. Forensic teams are combing the Dreamer and examining electronic devices recovered from the vessel to gather more information.
As part of the wider investigation into the supply chain, ADSU officers conducted raids at the residences of Ashik Jagai, former head of the defunct Special Striking Team, and businessman Wendip Appayah. Police confirmed that these searches yielded no conclusive results. Investigations remain ongoing to map out the entire logistical and financial network behind the operation.
The investigation has raised concerns about the involvement of organized crime in Mauritius. Authorities are working to determine the exact role and connection of the coastguard officer to the shipment. The case highlights the challenges faced by Mauritius in combating drug trafficking and maintaining stability in the region.
Key points
- Eight individuals, including 7 Thai nationals and a coastguard officer, have been arrested in connection with the Rs 2.7 billion drug seizure.
- Investigators are examining links between the drug seizure and recent civil unrest in Mauritius.
- Authorities are working to identify the mastermind behind the maritime expedition and the intended recipients of the drugs.
