[Drug Bust at SSR Airport] Over Rs 38 Million of Cannabis Hidden by Two Americans
A significant drug seizure took place on Saturday, June 15, at SSR International Airport. Two American citizens were arrested while carrying over 31 kilograms of cannabis concealed in their luggage. The suspects, Kody Alan Cook (30 years old) and Ryan Patrick Courtney (33 years old), had just arrived on flight EK 701 from Dubai.
The operation was conducted by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) of the Mauritius Revenue Authority, who intercepted the two men as they attempted to pass through the Green Channel, designated for passengers with nothing to declare.
The drugs, carefully vacuum-sealed, were divided between the two passengers: 16.15 kg for one and 15.20 kg for the other. The street value of this shipment is estimated to exceed Rs 38 million.
Investigators also seized foreign currency found in their possession. Following this, a controlled delivery operation was organized to trace potential recipients of the drugs in Mauritius, but it did not lead to any additional arrests.
The two Americans were brought to court under a provisional charge of drug importation with aggravating circumstances and have been placed in provisional detention. The investigation is ongoing to determine the ramifications of this international trafficking.
Seizure of 2.83 kg of Cocaine Valued at Rs 42 Million
Another major drug seizure occurred on Saturday, June 15, 2025, at SSR International Airport. Officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) intercepted a South African passenger in possession of 2.83 kg of cocaine hidden in his luggage. The estimated street value of the drugs is Rs 42.45 million.
Acting on established risk profiles, MRA agents targeted a 51-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both South African nationals, as they tried to pass through customs via the Green Channel. After scanning, their luggage underwent a thorough inspection.
No illicit products were found in the female passenger's belongings; however, the male passenger's suitcases showed signs of tampering. Officers opened the inner lining of his suitcase, where two packages containing a suspicious powder were discovered. A brand new handbag he possessed was also searched, revealing two similar packages.
Preliminary tests on-site confirmed that the substance was cocaine. The sniffer dog 'Rula', deployed for verification, also reacted positively.
Subsequently, the drug unit (ADSU) conducted a controlled delivery operation, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old Mauritian. An investigation is underway.
The MRA reminds the public that they can report any suspicious drug-related cases via the MRA Stop Drug platform at www.mra.mu or by calling the hotline 8958.
