By Dayo Ade Olusola | Crime News| 4 August 2025
Four British nationals are among nine people arrested in Mauritius after authorities foiled an alleged attempt to smuggle cannabis worth more than £4 million through the country’s main airport.
The group was intercepted on 29 May at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport following what police described as a coordinated surveillance operation targeting an international drug trafficking network.
Mauritian police said the suspects were found carrying a total of 212 kilograms of cannabis concealed in luggage. Eight were reportedly in possession of the drugs, while one allegedly acted as a decoy.
Chloe Parker, 18, was found with nearly 45kg of cannabis packed into 46 individual bags. Alethea Demitre, 33, and Shania Wood, 25, were each carrying 33kg, according to local news outlet Defi Info.
Daniel Pearson, also from the UK, did not have drugs in his possession, but allegedly attempted to create a distraction at the airport by becoming aggressive toward staff, investigators said.
The coordinated sting operation unfolded with the help of prior intelligence, authorities confirmed. “Authorities had gathered specific intelligence on an international drug trafficking network,” Defi Info reported.
All nine suspects were reportedly searched at the same time. They now face charges of “drug dealing with aggravating circumstances” and remain in pre-trial detention.
The other five accused — who are not British — include Hansel Gomez, Esequiel Perez, Ildo Valera De Brito, Luis Manuel Herrera Martinez, and Soraia Cristina Da Silva Cruz. They are believed to be nationals of the Dominican Republic and Portugal.
Mauritian officials have not released further details on how the suspects entered the country or where the drugs were sourced.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it is providing consular assistance. A spokesperson said:
“We are supporting a number of British nationals who have been detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Drug smuggling carries serious penalties in Mauritius. Convictions for trafficking can result in life imprisonment, particularly where the quantity and method indicate organised criminal involvement.
The case has attracted widespread local media coverage and renewed scrutiny of international drug routes passing through the Indian Ocean island nation. Further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
