Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, based on intelligence obtained on 09 March 2017, a joint operation was carried out at the Mauritius Container Terminal by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and Anti- Narcotics Section of the Mauritius Revenue Authority. Following a search, 118 packets of drugs suspected to be heroin weighing around 119.6 kgs worth approximately Rs1.8 billion were found inside six sand blasting metal cylinders. The drug consignment had arrived onboard the vessel MSC IVANA from South Africa on 04 March 2017. I am also informed that Police had carried out an enquiry and eight suspects were arrested from March to May 2017, and one of them was Mr N.K. They were provisionally charged with the offence of Drug Dealing with Aggravating Circumstances to wit: Causing heroin to be imported with an averment of trafficking and/or Money Laundering. I am further informed that the investigation into the particular case is complex as it involves international ramifications. Police had sought mutual legal assistance from South Africa and the United Kingdom to obtain documentary evidence. The evidence was obtained from South Africa and the United Kingdom in August of 2021 and February 2022, respectively. I am also informed that, upon completion of the investigation into the case involving Mr N.K. and four other persons, on 25 August 2023, the then Commissioner of Police had submitted the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. On 11 April 2024, the case was lodged before the Court of Assizes and Mr N.K. is being prosecuted for the following offences – (i) Drug Dealing with Aggravating Circumstances Organising the importation of dangerous drug (heroin) with an averment of trafficking, and (ii) conspiracy to do an act which is unlawful to wit: to procure the importation of heroin. On 26 June 2024, the case was called for Mention for the first time and was postponed to 24 November 2025, in other words, postponed for more than one year. The case has now been fixed for trial, believe it or not, on 17 May 2027 before the Court of Assizes. Since 15 April, Mr N.K. is detained in police custody. Madam Speaker, two accused, namely Mr F.T.R. and Mrs C.B., had been prosecuted before the Intermediate Court and had been convicted to 3 years’ penal servitude for money laundering on 29 November 2018 and 17 January 2020. One accused, namely Mr O.R. is being prosecuted for Money Laundering before the Intermediate Court. As regards the remaining accused persons, I am informed that advice has been sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on 25 August 2023 and 02 December 2025, and the advice has not been tendered yet. I am also informed that police is still looking for one suspect, Mr H.K.R., involved in that case. That person was brought in for inquiry purposes prior to the arrest of Mr N.K. However, Mr H.K.R. was allowed to go back for lack of evidence. He was subsequently reported missing. The case of Mr N.K. has been dragging on for far too long, Madam Speaker. Irrespective of their complexity, cases have to be determined in a timely manner. Therefore, we will be introducing appropriate piece of legislation for trials to be determined within a reasonable time. This has been criticised by Lord Mackay in the past. But still, we have the same situation.

Thank you. Mr Beejan! One question!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can the hon. Prime Minister kindly find out with MRA Customs on whether, key members of the MRA Narcotics Department, who made the seizure of the drug in the gas cylinders, were transferred to other units within one month of seizure? Thank you.

In fact, I can answer, because I did press conference on that. They were transferred. It was the famous guy who brought the packets: Dewdanee. And Mr Jagai was then transferred immediately. We did a press conference on that.

Okay! Mr Quirin, please, your question! That’s the last question.

(Interruptions)

INTERNATIONAL CASINO EXHIBITION 2026 – MAURITIAN DELEGATION – COST & PER DIEM ALLOWANCES