Seizure of Rs 33.5 Million in Cannabis at La Gaulette: Yanesh Chimajee, wanted, has allegedly fled the country

Yanesh Dan Chimajee, a well-known skipper from La Gaulette, is the focus of an investigation following the discovery of 13.4 kilograms of cannabis. Wanted by the Anti Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), he reportedly fled the country before police could apprehend him.

Where is Yanesh Chimajee, also known as Dany, a prominent figure in La Gaulette and listed by the police? This sea enthusiast's name surfaced during the investigation into the seizure of 13.4 kilograms of cannabis found at the home of 21-year-old Nihil Dardenne on Wednesday, December 10, also in La Gaulette.

As of now, the ADSU from the Southern Division has been unable to locate Yanesh Chimajee. According to the Passport and Immigration Office, he left the country on Friday, December 12, by air. He managed to pass through immigration without being detained, even though the ADSU was in pursuit.

The Southern Division's anti-drug brigade became interested in Yanesh after young bartender Nihil Dardenne disclosed that Chimajee had handed him a bag filled with zamal (Réunionese cannabis), valued at Rs 33.5 million, for him to secretly store under the roof of his residence. Both Nihil Dardenne and Yanesh Chimajee live on Rémy Ollier Avenue in the coastal village of La Gaulette.

Following his arrest, Dardenne provided details about how Chimajee gave him the cannabis bag in early December. After his revelations, the police began their search for Yanesh Chimajee, who is well-known in the West. Nevertheless, he has remained untraceable.

On Friday, December 12, he took advantage of the absence of an "Arrest/Report On Departure" notice issued against him to board Air Mauritius flight MK 851 to South Africa.

The next day, Saturday, December 20, unaware that the suspect had already set sail, the Southern Division's anti-drug brigade continued their search efforts. During a raid at Yanesh Chimajee's home on Rémy Ollier Avenue, he was not found. This search took place in the presence of his Austrian wife, but no drugs were discovered.

The investigators then headed to Yanesh Chimajee's secondary residence on the same avenue. There, they also searched his vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, where a quantity of cannabis, seven seeds, and particles of the same drug were found. The SUV was seized for investigative purposes. The skipper is also wanted in connection with this matter.

Yanesh Dan Chimajee is no stranger to the police. In 2006, at the age of 21, he was involved in armed robberies at hotels along the West coast before fleeing in speedboats. In July 2020, he and a companion, both skippers reported missing at sea aboard their speedboat, were found in Madagascar after their vessel ran aground on the Malagasy coast.