Rodrigues Deputy Chief Commissioner faces illegal dredging case in Baie-du-Nord
A police investigation in Baie-du-Nord, Rodrigues, has established a prima facie case of environmental violation against Deputy Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety, related to unauthorized excavation in a maritime zone. The case was registered by an Environmental Police officer, with findings forwarded to Central Barracks. The investigation involved inspections and scientific evaluations by an Environment official and two Scientific Officers, along with a technical report from the National Coast Guard. Inspections at low tide revealed an excavation measuring 20 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 0.7 meters deep, affecting approximately 224 cubic meters of coastal substrate. Investigators concluded that these findings, combined with spatial analysis, indicate illegal dredging. A resident of Rivi猫re-Banane stated that he operated the equipment for the excavation and received direct instructions from Johnson Roussety. Authorities believe the actions may violate the Environment Act 2024 and the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act, specifically concerning regulated activities without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment Licence and illegal modification of the maritime and coastal zone. The collected evidence constitutes a prima facie case, with definitive criminal liability to be established through legal procedures.
