Hashish Seizure: Fifteen Years in Prison and a Fine of Rs 50,000 for Two French Nationals

On October 23, 2025, a verdict was delivered in the Assize Court. Two French individuals, Abdallah Colo, 29, and Dounya Abdou, 25, were sentenced to fifteen years in prison and fined Rs 50,000 each for possessing 3,696 grams of hashish valued at Rs 11,090,400. The offense occurred on August 26, 2021, at a hotel in Belle-Mare.

On that day, the Anti Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) searched their hotel room in Belle-Mare. When questioned about the drugs, both defendants admitted ownership. The police also discovered Rs 1,345, an iPhone, and a Samsung SE20 phone in their luggage.

The two French nationals pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to sell.

In his statements to the police, Abdallah Colo described the circumstances that led him to this case. Unemployed, he was approached by someone named Mel on Snapchat, who offered him a job to transport money to Mauritius in exchange for 3,000 to 5,000 euros. He then met Dounya Abdou, who was to accompany him.

Concealed in a Red Legging

Before their departure, they each received packages of hashish sewn into a double-layered red legging, which they wore. Although their luggage was scanned and checked, they were not subjected to a body search due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon arrival, they were taken to their hotel by taxi.

At the hotel, they removed the leggings and placed the packages on the bed before being arrested by ADSU.

In court, the two French nationals spoke about their personal situations, expressed remorse, and offered apologies.

Judge Pravin Heerah considered their guilty pleas and personal circumstances. Ultimately, he sentenced Abdallah Colo and Dounya Abdou to fifteen years in prison and a fine of Rs 50,000 each.