Drug Seizure: Court Upholds Detention of Marie Milaine Vanessa Allas

Marie Milaine Vanessa Allas, 45, was arrested on November 18, 2025, during a drug seizure valued at Rs 1,085,000. Her bail application was denied on December 10, 2025, by the Port Louis court.

This resident of Roche-Bois faces three provisional charges: "drug dealing with aggravating circumstances: possession of synthetic cannabinoids for the purpose of selling with an allegation of trafficking," "possession of equipment for unlawful production of dangerous drugs," and "money laundering."

Through her lawyer, Me Alvin Jawaheer, she sought release. The prosecution, represented by Me Quinn Ozita Rosa-Hotentote, objected, citing risks of flight and reoffending.

On November 18, 2025, police conducted a search at the defendant's home in Batterie-Cassée, Roche-Bois. Upon arrival, they heard a woman say, "boure," which prompted them to check the back of the house. There, they found Jean Paul Cedric Manoula, 27, jumping from the first floor with a green and black bag. The police intercepted him, and upon searching the bag, they discovered drugs valued at Rs 1,085,000.

During the search of the defendant's home, police seized Rs 18,525 and a scale. Both Marie Milaine Vanessa Allas and Jean Paul Cedric Manoula were arrested.

Possession of Subutex

When questioned, Jean Paul Cedric Manoula claimed the drugs belonged to him. Marie Milaine Vanessa Allas stated, "all this simik is mine, take the charge." To which Jean Paul Cedric Manoula added, "yes, I will take that charge."

Magistrate Arshaad Toorbuth noted that the suspect has a history with the law. In 2016, she was fined Rs 3,000 for possession of Subutex. In 2021, she was sentenced to six months in prison and fined Rs 15,000 for distribution and sale of heroin at the same address where she was arrested in the current case.

The magistrate deemed this situation indicative of ongoing drug-related activities, thereby justifying concerns about the risk of reoffending.

He also considered that the defendant has a stable home, runs a tobacco shop, and is a mother to a nine-year-old girl in her custody.

He noted that she denied the charges against her, and according to the magistrate, there is a risk of flight.

He concluded that "(…) at this stage, detention remains necessary and proportionate to safeguard the administration of justice." Thus, the decision to deny Marie Milaine Vanessa Allas's bail application was made.