Record of Heroin Seized in 2017: Navind Kistnah Pleads Not Guilty at the Assizes

In a high-profile case, Navind Kistnah, who has been detained for eight years following the historic seizure of over 100 kilograms of heroin in Port Louis, appeared in court on Monday, November 24. Now 42 years old, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Represented by lawyer Me Neelkanth Dulloo, Kistnah is accused of orchestrating the importation of 119,576.2 grams of heroin concealed in six ‘blasting pots’ at the port on March 9, 2017. He is also alleged to have conspired with Keshwin Manish Seewoochurn and Peroomal Veeren to facilitate the drug’s entry into the country.

The proceedings, expected to be lengthy and complex, will involve 21 witnesses during hearings scheduled from May 17 to 28, 2027. Among the witnesses are investigators, including ASP Jagai, customs officers, as well as representatives from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and the telecommunications sector.

This trial is shaping up to be one of the most closely followed drug trafficking cases of the decade.

On March 9, 2017, police seized 119.5 kg of heroin valued at approximately Rs 1,793,643,000. The drugs, hidden in pressure sanders, had arrived in Mauritius aboard the MSC Ivana on March 4, 2017.

At the time of the seizure, Kistnah was 34 years old and had left Mauritius for South Africa on March 8, 2017, just a day before the major bust. He was repatriated and has since been in custody. He receives special police escort for his court appearances related to the ongoing judicial process concerning the provisional charges against him.

Nafiisah Peerbaye