A raid by police officers from the Special Intelligence Cell (SIC) of the Special Supporting Unit (SSU) in a bungalow in Beau Manguier, Pereybère on the evening of Friday April 19 led to three arrests and the seizure of cannabis, including the market value is estimated at Rs 1.2 million. A speed boat stolen from Cap Malheureux which was in the courtyard of this bungalow was also seized. The three suspects, a 26-year-old skipper living in Palma, Quatre-Bornes, a 25-year-old painter from Sainte Croix and a 21-year-old welder, residing in Baie du Tombeau, all declared that this drug is the property of a 28-year-old entrepreneur, living in the city of Grande Rivière Nord-Ouest (GRNO). The latter is actively sought by the police.
It was on the basis of certain information and after hours of surveillance that this team from the SIC of the SSU stormed this bungalow around 10:30 p.m. on the evening of Friday April 19. The skipper from Palma, Quatre-Bornes, the street painter Sainte Marie, Lecornu, Sainte Croix and the welder from rue Diégo Garcia, Baie du Tombeau who were taken by surprise were arrested. This followed a search at this location which led to the discovery of a large transparent plastic bag containing cannabis. The street value of this drug is Rs 1.2 million.
Confronted with this evidence, the three suspects incriminated a GRNO contractor as being the owner of this cargo. The SIC suspects that it had been imported from Reunion Island by sea. Because in the courtyard of this bungalow these police officers led by the assistant superintendent of police, Rajcoomar Seewoo found a black speed boat without any registration number equipped with two outboard motors.
Confronted with these pieces of evidence, the three suspects denied any involvement in this affair and they accused the resident of GRNO of being responsible. They were brought before the Bail and Remand Court (BRC) in Port-Louis on Saturday April 20. They are facing a provisional charge of drug trafficking.
