Attempt to Retrieve 290.2 g of Drugs: Eighteen Years in Prison for Keniven Chockalingum and Kelvy Lutchigadoo

On November 20, 2017, Keniven Chockalingum and Kelvy Lutchigadoo attempted to recover a package containing 290.2 grams of synthetic drugs hidden in a talcum powder bottle.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Assize Court sentenced both men, aged 31, to 18 years in prison each and imposed a fine of Rs 100,000.

During the trial, Keniven Chockalingum, who resides in Quatre-Bornes, pleaded not guilty, while Kelvy Lutchigadoo, a resident of St-Pierre, admitted to the charges.

On October 1, Judge Carol Green Jokhoo delivered a guilty verdict, considering the sworn testimonies of the defendants as well as their personal circumstances. Both men had clean criminal records at the time of the incident.

Forensic Science Laboratory analyses revealed that the seized drug was 5-Fluoro-ADB, an extremely potent and highly toxic synthetic cannabinoid, deemed more dangerous than cannabis or heroin. Its market value is estimated at Rs 4,353,000.

The judge took into account the young age of the defendants—23 years at the time of the offense—but concluded that aggravating factors, including the suffering caused to the victims and their families, warranted a severe sentence.