Drugs Found in Police Vehicle: "No Direct Evidence" at This Stage

The discovery of presumed drugs in a police vehicle raises questions about internal control mechanisms. This case was the subject of a parliamentary question directed to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam by MP Nitin Prayag on Tuesday.

"On Thursday, April 2, 2026, a supervisor from Mitsubishi Motors […] found a suspicious plastic package containing several aluminum sheets allegedly filled with dangerous drugs in a police vehicle," stated Navin Ramgoolam. The vehicle had been taken for maintenance at a workshop of Leal Company Ltd in Pailles.

The supervisor, unable to find an immediate superior, "left the package in place and locked the vehicle." The next day, the matter was reported and referred to the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), whose team went to secure the suspicious package.

The vehicle, used daily by "eight members of the Special Team Metropolitan Division (North)," underwent scientific examinations on April 7. "The evidence has been sent to the forensic laboratory for analysis, along with DNA samples," the Prime Minister clarified.

The eight involved police officers were interrogated. A sergeant from the Police Vehicle Transport Unit and three employees from Mitsubishi Motors were also heard. Searches were conducted on April 9 at the homes of a sergeant and a constable, "but nothing incriminating was found."

At this stage, "there is no direct evidence against the police officers," affirmed Navin Ramgoolam. "No arrests or suspensions have been made," as the results of the DNA analyses are expected to guide the next steps in the investigation. Regarding corrective measures, he indicated that police officials have been instructed to "strictly adhere to Standing Orders" and that surprise checks will be enhanced. Training focused on "responsibility and transparency" is also underway.