Accused of Criminal Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking: El Capo Remains in Detention, FSL Report Pending

The Guyanese "El Capo" remains in custody. The investigation into drug trafficking and criminal conspiracy is nearing completion, with the police now awaiting the final scientific report.

The investigation concerning Brandon Rodrigues Sena, known as "El Capo," is coming to an end. This was indicated by Sergeant Lagaillard of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Flacq on November 25, 2025, during the suspect's appearance before the Flacq court. Charged provisionally with drug trafficking and criminal conspiracy, he, through his lawyer, Me Irfaan Jadhakhan, filed a motion for bail.

Before Magistrate Yakrajsingh Ramsohok, the sergeant clarified that, regarding the provisional charge of criminal conspiracy, the police are continuing to interrogate potential witnesses. As for drug trafficking, only the report from the Forensic Scientific Laboratory (FSL) is still awaited. The drugs were analyzed on November 25, 2025. In this case, El Capo, aged 31, along with his accomplices Pierre Stéphane Esso (28 years) and Jean Fabrice Gâteau (20 years), faces the same allegations.

Following his court appearance, El Capo was returned to custody, this time at the high-security prison in Phoenix (see box). His motion for bail was rejected. He will appear via video conference before the Bail and Remand Court (BRC) on December 11, 2025.

Pierre Stéphane Esso and Jean Fabrice Gâteau were released on bail on November 20, 2025. The three men were arrested on October 29, 2025, in Argy, Flacq, during a CID operation. Police seized 7.8 grams of cocaine from their vehicle, valued at Rs 135,000, as well as a firearm without a serial number, a "Rambo" knife, and various suspicious accessories. They are also suspected of involvement in a kidnapping that occurred on October 25, 2025, in the northern part of the island.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam reminded during the parliamentary session on November 25, 2025, that El Capo arrived in Mauritius on May 30, 2025, from Réunion for a six-day tourist stay, with a residence permit later extended to fifteen days. His visa expired on June 14, 2025, and the Passport and Immigration Office was actively searching for him. Since November 4, 2025, Interpol has issued a "red notice" against him for drug-related offenses, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. These details were provided in response to parliamentary questions regarding visa issuance and border security.

According to our sources, Mauritian authorities are preparing to initiate extradition procedures to hand El Capo over to French justice.

El Capo Transferred to La Bastille Under Heavy Security
Brandon Rodrigues Sena, known as "El Capo," was transferred on Tuesday, November 25, to the high-security prison of La Bastille after his court appearance in Flacq. Until then, he had been incarcerated at the Moka detention center. The transfer of El Capo, organized on Tuesday afternoon, was placed under exceptional security measures due to his sensitive profile. Immediately after leaving the Flacq court, a significant police presence was visible in the vicinity. Authorities took no risks: an armored vehicle from the Special Mobile Force (SMF) was mobilized to clear the way for the convoy, while heavily armed commandos from the Mauritian Police Intervention Group (GIPM) provided close protection. Elements from the Special Support Unit (SSU) and officers from the CID of the East complemented the arrangement, deployed both around the vehicle transporting the suspect and along the route to La Bastille. Throughout the journey, law enforcement ensured to minimize any risk of incident, especially by controlling access points. This operation, carried out with precision, reflects authorities' concerns about the potential danger posed by "El Capo," regarded as an individual capable of mobilizing well-structured criminal networks. His presence in Mauritius, the exact circumstances of his stay, and any potential links to local traffickers are all aspects of particular interest to investigators.

Upon arrival at La Bastille, the suspect was immediately taken in by the prison unit. This prison, located in Phoenix, is known for its reinforced infrastructure and strict protocols for accommodating individuals involved in serious criminal cases or international trafficking. The investigation continues to establish the extent of the Guyanese’s activities in Mauritius and to determine if others may be involved in this network.