Mauritius drug bust: 6-year-old British boy detained; 14 kgs cannabis worth £1.6 million found hidden in bag

A 6-year old British boy was apprehended along with multiple adults in Mauritius in connection with a significant £1.6million (Rs 18.78 crore approx) drug trafficking operation, according to by several UK media outlets.

The incident reported occurred last Sunday at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), Mauritius's primary international gateway, where authorities allegedly found 161kg of cannabis concealed in their luggage. Report from the Mirror indicate the child's luggage contained 24 packages totalling 14kg. His 35-year-old mother allegedly carried 29 packages, while her Romanian companion was found with 32 packages.

Local authorities estimated the seized substances would value approximately £1.6million in the regional drug market. The operation resulted in the detention of five British women, one British man, one Romanian man, and the child. The adults subsequently appeared before a Mahebourg court, facing provisional drug-related charges.

Additionally, according to Mauritian newspaper Defi Media, the adults remain in custody after police opposed their conditional release.


The British High Commission was notified regarding the child's situation following his and his mother's arrest. Subsequent UK media reports claimed that the child returned home on Wednesday, with his father receiving him at the airport.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told The Mirror: "We are supporting several British nationals who are detained in Mauritius and are in contact with the local authorities."

Reports suggest customs and police officials maintained surveillance on the group from their arrival on British Airways flight BA 2065 from London Gatwick Airport on Sunday.