Rodrigues Drug Bust: Cannabis, Seeds and Plant Seized in Soupirs
A targeted ADSU operation in Rodrigues led to the arrest of an unemployed 27-year-old man found with cannabis rolls, seeds, a plant and Rs 2,000 cash.
Anti-drug officers in Rodrigues arrested a 27-year-old unemployed man on Thursday 15 October 2026 after discovering cannabis prepared for sale, live seeds, a young plant and suspected drug money at his home in Soupirs.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), the specialised police division responsible for narcotics enforcement across Mauritius and its outer islands. Officers arrived at the suspect's property at around 9:55 in the morning and conducted a full search of the premises.
Inside the home, investigators found three rolls of paper containing a total of 7.06 grammes of cannabis, already packaged in a manner consistent with retail-level drug dealing. They also recovered nine cannabis seeds and Rs 2,000 in cash, which police suspect came from the sale of drugs.
A search of the surrounding property uncovered an illicit cannabis plant standing 11 centimetres tall, indicating the suspect may have been attempting to cultivate his own supply.
The man was arrested on the spot and placed in police custody pending further investigation. The case remains open as officers continue their enquiries.
Rodrigues is an autonomous island region of Mauritius located roughly 650 kilometres to the east of the main island. While smaller in scale than drug cases seen on the main island, cannabis seizures in Rodrigues have drawn consistent attention from law enforcement, with the ADSU maintaining an active presence there.
Under Mauritian law, possession of cannabis with intent to supply carries significantly heavier penalties than simple possession. The packaging of the cannabis into separate rolls is typically treated by prosecutors as evidence of intent to distribute rather than personal use.
The amount seized, just over seven grammes, is relatively small, but combined with the seeds, the growing plant and the cash, authorities are treating this as a supply operation rather than a case of personal consumption. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been confirmed publicly at this stage.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADSU in Mauritius?β
The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) is a specialised division of the Mauritius Police Force dedicated to investigating drug trafficking and smuggling offences. It operates across the main island of Mauritius and its outer islands, including Rodrigues.
What are the penalties for drug dealing in Mauritius?β
Under the Dangerous Drugs Act of Mauritius, possession of cannabis with intent to supply can result in a prison sentence of up to 60 years, depending on the quantity and circumstances. Simple possession carries lighter penalties, but evidence of packaging for resale is typically used by prosecutors to establish intent to supply.
Where is Soupirs, Rodrigues?β
Soupirs is a village in Rodrigues, the autonomous outer island of Mauritius situated approximately 650 kilometres east of the main island. Rodrigues has its own Regional Assembly and administration but falls under Mauritian law for criminal matters.
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