7 Seychellois charged for maritime drug trafficking

Seychelles’ Supreme Court on Friday charged seven Seychellois on seven drug-related offences in relation to the seizure of 180 kilogrammes of cannabis herbal materials.

Five of the seven men were arrested on July 29 on board a yacht -the Allegro –north east of Desroches Island during a joint operation between the Anti-Narcotics Bureau, the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC), Seychelles Air Force and Seychelles Coast Guard (SPDF).

Two men, including the owner of the vessel, were also arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Bureau (ANB) of the Seychelles Police Force. Only very recently President Danny Faure said in a live press conference that local authorities had received credible information that Seychellois were involved in maritime trafficking with Iranians, and some were being held as hostage over drug money.

The Supreme Court, presided by Justice Mohan Burhan, has imposed charges which include trafficking in a controlled drug, conspiracy to commit the offence of trafficking as well as aiding and abetting in the offence of trafficking.

Trafficking in a controlled drug carries a maximum sentence of 50 years imprisonment if convicted