Two Mauritian coastguards arrested over 1.5-tonne cannabis case
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Defimedia
Two members of Mauritius’s National Coast Guard have been arrested in an investigation into the alleged importation of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis, with one suspected of helping the network. Fifteen suspects have been arrested and three vessels are subject to police measures, Defi Media reports.
A second member of Mauritius’s National Coast Guard was arrested on Thursday 29 October in an investigation into the alleged importation of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis. Fifteen people are now suspected in the case, according to newspaper Defimedia.
The officer is suspected of communicating with the captain of the yacht Dreamer and facilitating the vessel’s access to Mauritian waters. Another coastguard officer, constable Kevin Rungilal, who was arrested earlier, is suspected of helping the network and has been provisionally charged with conspiracy to import drugs.
Four Mauritians are also suspected of collecting packages at sea aboard stolen vessels before bringing them ashore. Nine Thai nationals, including the captain and six crew members of the Dreamer, are among the suspects. Several Thai nationals appeared before the Port Louis court on Thursday and were remanded in custody after being provisionally charged with drug importation.
The investigation has led to three vessels being placed under police control. It concerns the alleged trafficking that has already resulted in the arrest of seven sailors linked to a cannabis shipment.
