Young Mechanic Arrested with 20 Cannabis Packets Outside Souillac School

Anti-drug officers in Mauritius arrested a 20-year-old mechanic on the morning of Thursday 12 November 2026 after finding him in possession of 20 packets of cannabis directly outside a school in Souillac, a coastal town in the south of the island.

The arrest was carried out at around 9:30 a.m. by officers from the ADSU, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, which is the specialised branch of the Mauritius Police Force responsible for tackling drug trafficking and related offences. The suspect was stopped along Lady Barkly Street, one of the main roads running through Souillac.

Police found 20 individual plastic sachets on the young man, each containing a quantity of cannabis. The total weight of the seized substance came to 13.68 grams. Officers also confiscated Rs 1,500 in cash, which investigators are treating as potentially linked to drug sales.

The location of the arrest, in front of a school during morning hours, raised particular concern for authorities, as drug activity near educational establishments is treated seriously under Mauritian law.

Following the arrest, investigators conducted a search of the suspect's home in a residential area of Souillac known as Morcellement. The search did not uncover any additional drugs or incriminating items.

The suspect, who lives locally and works as a mechanic, was taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Act of Mauritius, possession of cannabis with intent to supply carries significantly heavier penalties than simple possession. The number of individually wrapped sachets and the accompanying cash are factors investigators typically use to assess whether drugs were intended for personal use or for sale.

This arrest is part of continued ADSU operations across the island targeting street-level drug distribution, particularly in areas close to schools and community spaces.

Source: ION News