Four Mauritian nationals were recently transported to Antananarivo and handed over to the Judicial Police Directorate at Toby Ratsimandrava, after their speedboat ran aground at Maharavo Ambohitralanana, in the Antalaha district.
The vessel, equipped with two powerful engines, became immobilized on July 20. Local fishermen assisted the occupants before alerting the authorities. The suspects attempted to pose as citizens of Reunion Island by using false identities. Investigations confirmed their true identities as David Kingsley Chicot (34), Ismael Benjamin Yoel (28), Jean David Legentil (30), and Brian Bowanee (29), all of whom are Mauritian citizens.
Although no illicit substances were discovered on board, investigators, in collaboration with the Mauritian Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), are prioritizing the hypothesis of drug trafficking.
According to Top FM Mauritius, David Chicot had previously been involved in cannabis trafficking between Reunion Island and Mauritius. Jean Legentil and Ismael Benjamin had been arrested during a seizure of 333 kg of cannabis originating from Madagascar.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-10 06:24:09 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/antalaha-la-gendarmerie-arrete-quatre.html