Daijiworld Media Network – Port Louis

Port Louis, Jun 29: In a shocking case, a six-year-old British boy was detained in Mauritius after customs officers discovered 14 kilograms of cannabis in his suitcase at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The child was among eight people held on Sunday after arriving on a British Airways flight from Gatwick, with the group collectively found carrying over 161 kg of cannabis worth around £1.6 million (approx. Rs 18.8 cr).

The boy’s mother was also arrested with 17 kg of drugs hidden in her luggage. Authorities described the use of a child as a drug mule as ‘outrageous and inhumane’, calling it one of the most disturbing cases in recent memory. The boy, reportedly unaware of the contents in his suitcase, has since been returned to the UK and is now in his father’s custody.

The arrests were made during a joint operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and the Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU). Investigators found 11 Apple AirTags among the group’s belongings, suggesting organised crime involvement. The eighth suspect is a Romanian national residing in Britain, who was carrying 32 packages of cannabis.

The seven British adults five women and two men have been charged with drug trafficking and remain in pre-trial custody following their court appearance in Mahebourg on Monday.

Following the bust, Mauritian authorities conducted raids on hotels housing British nationals, but no further arrests were made. The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting the detained citizens and is in touch with Mauritian officials.