Seizure of 16 Kilos of Cannabis in Plaisance: The La Rosa Network Under Scrutiny
On March 23, the Anti Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) of the Southern Division is working to dismantle a structured drug importation network operating by air between France and Mauritius. The case came to light when a French courier, Lisa Lily Ilona Romain, abandoned a suitcase containing 16 kilograms of cannabis at the airport.
This 'oversight' quickly revealed an internal system of complicity, involving police officers suspected of acting as double agents. An ADSU officer at the airport, Constable Pagoo, who was responsible for tackling drug trafficking, was arrested for facilitating the departure of courier Lisa Lily Ilona Romain. Shortly after, another officer, Constable Akash Hurruck, 33, assigned to Mahébourg station, was also apprehended. He is suspected of having given instructions to his colleague to allow the suspect to leave the airport premises.
Beyond the courier and the two officers, the investigation, conducted by ADSU and the Intelligence Cell, identified several other individuals linked to this "green gold" importation operation. The involvement of former prison guard Oumeshlall Ramsurrun, considered a key player in the network, has been mentioned. Actively sought since the beginning of the week and already known to the authorities, including ICAC, he was arrested on Thursday by a team led by Police Superintendent Ghoora and ASP Sooknah.
His partner, Bibi Maitab Phutully, 40, was questioned midweek as part of this investigation before being allowed to return home.
Several associates of the former prison guard have also been arrested, including Douveersingh Bhujun, alias Tipti, 23, resident of La Rosa. During his interrogation, he admitted to being involved alongside Dwishal Matai, 21, residing in Mare-d’Albert. Both men, known to ADSU and employed at a car wash in La Rosa, have been detained and provisionally charged with "conspiracy to pervert the course of justice."
Another resident of La Rosa, Yadhav Lukhun, 31, was also arrested. A search of his home on March 25 resulted in the seizure of Rs 134,000 in cash. This painter is facing money laundering charges.
These arrests have helped investigators shed light on a Honda Fit car abandoned in La Rosa on the day of the drug seizure (March 23). This vehicle was used to pick up the French courier from Plaisance Airport that morning. Thanks to the arrest of the duo Bhujun/Matai, investigators were able to trace the vehicle's license plate: 3577 GZ 17.
ADSU suspects the trio Bhujun/Matai/Lukhun of having gone to the airport to retrieve Lisa Lily Ilona Romain. She, who had initially managed to leave the airport, was arrested on Tuesday night, along with Constable Hurruck.
Interrogations continue to identify other members of this network operating between France and Mauritius. Investigators are also trying to determine the exact role played by officers Hurruck and Pagoo in this organization, with Oumeshlall Ramsurrun presented as a central figure.
Constable Hurruck is already under scrutiny from ADSU. Last year, officers raided his home on Basant Rai Avenue in La Rosa, but no illegal items were found. Constable Hurruck has previously worked within the Special Anti-Robbery and the Special Intelligence Cell of the Special Supporting Unit.
Constable Pagoo was betrayed by his movements. On March 23, Constable Pagoo, serving at ADSU at the airport for a year, was on duty in Plaisance. Like his colleagues, he was tasked with detecting and tracking any cases of drug importation by air. But on that day, he was caught red-handed, suspected of colluding with a criminal organization.
Upon the arrival of flight MK 015, ADSU officers began profiling incoming passengers. During this meticulous operation, thanks to CCTV footage, the truth began to emerge. A suitcase was abandoned on the conveyor belt. Upon opening it, a load of cannabis was discovered. ADSU quickly identified the luggage as belonging to Lisa Lily Ilona Romain. Analyzing the surveillance videos traced her every move, from disembarkation to her exit from the airport terminal. A crucial element emerged: Constable Pagoo never left her side. Every gesture, every movement betrayed his complicity.
After abandoning her suitcase, Lisa Lily Ilona Romain passed through the Green Channel, still closely followed by Constable Pagoo. The officer moved ahead, but upon turning around, noticed that the passenger was being subjected to a customs check. He turned back and approached Lisa discreetly in the Luggage Examination Room to inquire about the situation. However, the French woman had already switched her suitcase, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) detected no narcotics. Free from any checks, she headed towards the exit. Relieved, she left the airport, closely escorted by Constable Pagoo. CCTV footage shows the officer quickly guiding her to the vehicle that came to pick her up. Once the passenger was safe, he returned to his post, convinced he had successfully completed his mission as a double agent.
However, his plan failed abruptly. The discovery of the suitcase filled with cannabis led to his arrest at his workplace. Surveillance videos clearly establish his proximity and complicity with the drug courier, revealing that his actions and movements had betrayed him.
