On Monday, September 11, 2023, authorities in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, apprehended three individuals from Sierra Leone on suspicion of involvement in drug-related activities. The arrest came following the discovery of 9.10 grams of cocaine and Rs 10,000, believed to be proceeds from illicit drug sales. The individuals in custody have been identified as Daniel Tamba Moiba, a 38-year-old electrical engineer, James Koroma, a 36-year-old businessman, and 21-year-old student Fatmata Alima Bangura.
According to a report by the local news website, Le Matinal, the operation was carried out by the Flying Squad of Mauritius' Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU). This operation was initiated around 2:50 pm based on information suggesting the involvement of foreign nationals in unlawful activities.
Daniel Moiba was intercepted while attempting to leave the scene in a Honda vehicle. When approached by officers who identified themselves, he tried to flee but was swiftly apprehended. A search of Moiba led to the discovery of a packet containing cocaine. Meanwhile, the other two suspects, Koroma and Bangura, were taken to the Flying Squad office at Central Barracks. A search of their vehicle uncovered a plastic bag containing six packages of cocaine and Rs 10,000 in the glove compartment. Law enforcement officers suspect this money is linked to drug sales.
Later that evening, around 6 p.m., a search was conducted at a residence in Butte à L’Herbe, Grand Gaube, where Moiba and Koroma resided. Officers found seventeen resealable sachets, which they believe may have been intended for drug packaging. However, a subsequent search at Fatmata Bangura's residence in Palma, Quatre-Bornes, did not yield any significant results.
Moiba was detained at the Piton facility, while Bangura was held at the Moka center. On the morning of September 12, all three suspects were brought before the Port-Louis court, where they faced preliminary charges related to drug trafficking. Following their court appearance, they were returned to their respective detention facilities.