Cannabis Importation from South Africa: Three Suspects, Including Former Director of Cargo Handling Corporation, Arrested During a Controlled Delivery

A joint operation by customs and the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) led to the arrest of three suspects during a controlled delivery after approximately one kilogram of cannabis, valued at Rs 3 million, was discovered in a parcel from South Africa.

The package was intercepted on Monday, March 9, at a mail office upon its arrival in Mauritius, three days after being shipped from South Africa. The suspects were arrested on-site by ADSU.

According to our sources, one of the suspects is Presley Paul, 48, a former director of the Cargo Handling Corporation (CHCL). The other two suspects, Phillipe Legallant, 28, and Andrew Legallant, 54, showed up on Friday, March 13, at the Pailles mail service office to collect the parcel.

Yesterday, the three men, residents of Roches-Brunes, Montagne-Longue, and Curepipe, were presented before the Weekend Court. They face a provisional charge of drug trafficking. The investigation is ongoing.

It should be noted that Presley Paul was convicted of diploma forgery in a ruling from the intermediate court. He had applied for and secured the position of director at CHCL. However, following a parliamentary question by Xavier-Luc Duval regarding the legitimacy of this appointment, it was revealed that Presley Paul had submitted two forged diplomas: one in logistics and international trade, and the other in management and leadership.

Presley Paul was arrested by the Central CID on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.