271 kg of drugs seized in joint maritime operation, two suspects arrested
via Le Mauricien1 min read
A joint maritime operation led to the interception of 271 kilograms of drugs, valued at an estimated Rs 3.498 billion, and the arrest of two suspects. The seized narcotics included 121 kg of cocaine, 108 kg of heroin, and 42 kg of cannabis. The operation began on April 9, 2026, after the Regional Coordination Operations Centre RCOC and INTERPOL alerted the Mauritius Police Force to a suspicious vessel in Mauritius' exclusive economic zone. Authorities from Mauritius, La Réunion, and Seychelles, supported by FAZSOI, collaborated in the intervention. The National Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft conducted five sorties to locate the vessel. On April 15, 2026, French authorities intercepted and boarded the target vessel, identified as the MV RULER, where the drugs were discovered. The seized drugs were subsequently destroyed by French authorities, with samples retained for forensic purposes. Domestically, the Mauritius Police Force mobilized units including ADSU, the Maritime Intelligence Cell, and the National Coast Guard's Maritime Air Squadron. On April 16, 2026, two suspects were arrested at sea while attempting to retrieve the cargo. They have been provisionally charged and detained, with additional evidence seized to aid the investigation. This operation highlights strengthened regional cooperation, supported by a recent memorandum of understanding between the Mauritius Police Force and FAZSOI, and aligns with the 2026-2028 strategic plan to combat drug trafficking.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
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