271 kg of Drugs Seized off Tromelin: Two Mauritians Arrested at Sea

An extensive anti-drug operation at sea has resulted in the seizure of 271 kg of narcotics off Tromelin. Two suspects were apprehended while attempting to reach an intercepted vessel believed to be supplying the Mauritian drug market.

The two Mauritians, Jeff Desire Cliff Josephine and Jean Hansley Gentil (Bobo), were arrested by the Maritime Intelligence Cell of the National Coast Guard at sea. They are suspected of attempting to recover a large drug shipment being transported by a boat coming from the Arabian Sea.

The alert was issued via the Regional Coordination Operations Centre, which includes Mauritius, Réunion, and Seychelles, on April 9. A suspicious boat from the Arabian Sea heading towards the Indian Ocean had been placed under surveillance due to information from a French liaison center. Regional agencies had intelligence that this boat was a significant drug carrier destined for various countries in the Indian Ocean.

On Wednesday, April 15, the boat was spotted off the coast of Tromelin Island by a French patrol vessel. An operation was conducted by agencies from the Indian Ocean, during which the suspicious boat was intercepted. It had ten crew members on board from Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Iran.

Mauritian Market

The vessel was thoroughly searched, revealing 121 kg of cocaine, 108 kg of heroin, and 42 kg of cannabis. These drugs were intended for the Mauritian market.

The anti-drug squad (Adsu) received intelligence suggesting that the two Mauritians were tasked with reaching the boat at sea to procure narcotics. A surveillance operation was established in the Baie-du-Tombeau area, where, around midday on Thursday, April 16, two individuals set out from the coast.

Early in the morning on Friday, April 17, the Maritime Intelligence Cell of the National Coast Guard intercepted a boat equipped with two engines carrying two individuals: Jeff Désiré Cliff Joséphine, 35, a fisherman from Les Salines, and Jean Hansley Gentil, a resident of Rue Rouillard in Baie-du-Tombeau.

Upon searching the boat, Adsu discovered several compartments filled with fuel, a Starlink router, and other items. However, no drugs were found. The duo was arrested by Adsu and is charged with conspiracy to take delivery of dangerous drugs. Investigators based at Adsu headquarters and the port suspect that they were tasked with acquiring the 271 kg of drugs. On Saturday, April 18, they appeared before the Weekend Court and are currently in custody.