
A delegation from the International Monetary Fund IMF, led by Augusto Azael Perez, met with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. This meeting is part of a technical mission to the customs department, aimed at streamlining trade, increasing service efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing border protection against drugs, illicit products, and tax fraud. Rohit Ramnawaz, Director General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority MRA, stated that the mission will provide concrete recommendations and support the MRA in their implementation. The government's objective is to establish faster procedures for the economy while implementing stricter controls against traffickers. The IMF delegation also included Stephen Mendes, Aldo Silvano, and Oscar Alberto Nieto Mora.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadConstable Muhammad Nifaaz Ali Allymamod, 33, an Official Driver with the Very Important Persons Security Unit VIPSU, is suspected of playing a strategic role in an alleged cocaine trafficking network. The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU believes the officer was responsible for collecting money from drug transactions, rather than directly handling the drugs. The investigation began when ADSU officers, posing as buyers, met Sheik Mohammad Azhar Soobhun, a 20-year-old cook, in Triolet. Soobhun initially provided approximately 3 grams of cocaine and agreed to a second delivery. Due to his age, ADSU suspected Soobhun was a delivery person and storeman acting under instruction. During the second meeting, Soobhun delivered 345 grams of cocaine and was arrested. An electronic scale with cocaine traces was also seized. Constable Allymamod was apprehended in his car during the same operation, suspected of arriving to collect money from the drug transaction. Police believe Soobhun had a close contact with Allymamod, whose mobile phone with two SIM cards was seized. Searches at Soobhun's home uncovered 16 resealable bags with approximately 20 grams of cocaine, 20 empty drug packaging bags, Rs 1,725 suspected to be drug proceeds, and an iPhone 15. At Allymamod's residence, investigators seized Rs 8,000 and 150 Australian dollars, also suspected to be from drug trafficking. A second search of another of his residences yielded no incriminating evidence. In total, ADSU seized 368 grams of

Seychelles has increased fuel prices by approximately 10%, with diesel now costing Rs 25.19 per liter and unleaded petrol Rs 24.68 per liter. This marks the second price hike this year and is part of a transition plan approved by the Council of Ministers to gradually restore fuel prices while ensuring the nation's energy security. The announcement was made by Adrian Mondon, Director General of Seychelles Petroleum Company SEYPEC, alongside Vice-President S茅bastien Pillay and Minister of Finance Pierre Laporte. Mondon stated that the real cost of fuel is around Rs 35 per liter, indicating that pump prices remain heavily subsidized by the state. Seychelles currently holds about two months of fuel reserves, with a supply ship arriving monthly from Singapore. Vice-President Pillay explained that the government opted for a gradual approach to mitigate the impact on the population, preferring progressive measures over radical interventions. To reduce fuel consumption and state expenditure, public sector working hours have been shortened, with administrations now closing at 2:30 PM. Minister Laporte acknowledged that the increase might lead to higher inflation in the coming months but assured that the government would adjust pensions and social assistance to protect vulnerable individuals. This reform aims to strengthen SEYPEC's financial viability, maintain strategic fuel reserves, and support investments in the country's energy infrastructure. Mondon noted that despite recent drop
Must ReadMagistrate Bibi Azna Bholah, sitting in the Curepipe district court, has ordered that Chief Inspector Bhunjun, the Enquiring Officer in the criminal trial against Public Infrastructure Minister Ajay Gunness, be recalled to the witness stand. Minister Gunness faces four formal charges under the Road Traffic Act, including drunk driving, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, refusal to provide a urine or blood sample, and refusal to comply. He has pleaded not guilty. The magistrate's ruling follows a motion by Minister Gunness's lawyers, Me Rishi Hurdowar and Me Shanyu Seewoonarain, who seek to cross-examine the witness again. The representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Me Pareemala Mauree, had objected to this motion, arguing that it constituted an abuse of procedure due to a change of lawyer by the defendant. However, the court ruled that the defendant's right to a fair trial must take precedence. The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when Chief Inspector Bhunjun is scheduled to reappear in court. A police officer intercepted a car driven by Ajay Gunness in Flor茅al on January 9, 2023. According to the officer's testimony in court, he detected an odor of alcohol and attempted to administer a breathalyzer test, but the minister allegedly refused to comply before leaving the scene in his car. Ajay Gunness maintains that the officer only requested his driver's license, which he provided.