Victoria, Seychelles – Seychelles’ authorities have incinerated a record 1.2 tonnes of illicit drugs, marking the largest amount ever to be destroyed in the island nation. The destruction event took place on Monday in the capital, Victoria, with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Rony Govinden, and the registrar of the Supreme Court, Julianna Esticot, overseeing the process.
According to Seychelles News Agency, the 1.2 tonnes of drugs, accumulated from various busts over the past 18 months, included a mix of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis resin, and cannabis. Among these, a significant portion came from one of the biggest drug busts in Seychelles’ history, involving two Iranians caught with a substantial amount of heroin and methamphetamine in Seychelles’ territorial waters in April. Both individuals were later sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug importation under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 2016.
Govinden highlighted the significance of this drug destruction, stating that if the drugs had not been destroyed, their presence on the streets would have had catastrophic effects. The destruction process involved weighing each bag of drugs individually in the presence of law enforcement officers before incinerating them.
The Chief Justice also noted that the drugs originated from various countries, including Iran, Kenya, Ethiopia, and some within Seychelles, with certain origins remaining untraceable. All the drugs destroyed were from cases that have been concluded and sentences delivered.
Explaining the procedure leading to the destruction, Govinden detailed that the drugs, initially seized by police, were sealed, produced as evidence in court, resealed, and stored securely. Before destruction, an independent government analyst verified the quantities against court records. Govinden expressed satisfaction that all necessary procedures were meticulously followed, ensuring the integrity of the process.
This event marks a significant stride in Seychelles’ ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and its impacts on society.