Curepipe Woman, 26, Arrested with Cannabis and Rs 60,000 Cash

A 26-year-old unemployed woman from Curepipe was arrested at her home on September 16 after anti-drug officers discovered cannabis, cannabis seeds, and a significant sum of cash during a search of the property. Officers from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) — the Mauritian Police Force's dedicated narcotics division — carried out the operation and found 25 plastic sachets containing a total of 10.68 grams of cannabis, along with a plastic container holding 113 cannabis seeds. Also seized during the search was Rs 60,000 in cash, which investigators suspect represents proceeds from drug sales. The combination of pre-packaged sachets, seeds, and a large amount of cash typically indicates suspected dealing activity rather than personal use. The suspect was taken into custody and placed in detention. Police say the investigation is ongoing. Curepipe is a densely populated city in the central highlands of Mauritius, about 20 kilometres from Port Louis. It is one of the island's main urban centres. **What this means** Under Mauritian law, possession of cannabis — even in small quantities — can carry serious criminal penalties. The presence of seeds alongside packaged sachets and cash tends to attract charges related to drug trafficking rather than simple possession, which can result in significantly harsher sentences. The ADSU regularly conducts residential raids across the island as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt local drug distribution networks. Cases involving seeds are also notable because they suggest the possibility of cultivation, which is treated as a separate and serious offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act. The case will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) once the investigation is complete. Source: ION News