Mauritius Police Officer Denied Bail in Rs 61M Airport Drug Case
Officer Neeraj Pagoo remains in custody after the Bail and Remand Court ruled against bail on 19 October 2026 in a major cannabis smuggling case.
A Mauritian police officer accused of conspiring in a Rs 61 million drug importation has been refused bail and will remain behind bars, the Bail and Remand Court (BRC) ruled on 19 October 2026.
Neeraj Pagoo, 35, a resident of Rose-Belle in the south of Mauritius, has been suspended from duty and faces a provisional charge of conspiracy to commit a drug offence. His case is being heard at the Mahébourg District Court, which serves the south-east of the island.
The affair began on 23 March 2026 at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport, Mauritius's main international gateway located at Plaisance. Customs officers intercepted a 27-year-old French national, Lisa Lily Ilona Romain, arriving with luggage containing three bags packed with cannabis and cannabis resin. The total value of the seized drugs was estimated at Rs 61,050,000.
What drew investigators' attention to Pagoo was airport surveillance footage. According to the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), the specialised police unit responsible for drug-related investigations in Mauritius, camera recordings show Pagoo standing behind the immigration counter, mobile phone in hand, making gestures toward the French courier before escorting her toward a waiting area.
The ADSU, which operates under the Mauritius Police Force, questioned Pagoo as part of its inquiry into the importation network. He has denied any involvement, claiming his actions were routine. The investigation is ongoing and no final charges have been laid.
The BRC, which in Mauritius handles decisions on bail and remand for suspects under investigation, ruled that Pagoo must remain in police custody while enquiries continue.
What this means: This case highlights concerns about potential insider complicity in drug smuggling at Mauritian ports of entry. SSR International Airport has seen a series of significant drug seizures in recent years, and the alleged involvement of a serving police officer at the immigration counter raises serious questions about security protocols. The ADSU investigation will be closely watched, particularly as authorities seek to determine whether Pagoo was part of a wider trafficking network.
Source: ION News
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADSU in Mauritius?−
The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) is a specialised division of the Mauritius Police Force responsible for investigating drug trafficking, importation and related offences across the island.
What is the Bail and Remand Court in Mauritius?−
The Bail and Remand Court (BRC) is a dedicated Mauritian court that rules on applications for bail and remand in custody for suspects who are under active police investigation before formal charges are laid.
Where is SSR International Airport located in Mauritius?−
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport is located at Plaisance in the Mahébourg area in the south-east of Mauritius. It is the country's primary international airport.
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