Seychelles Police provides update on its strategies to combat drug-related crimes |04 November 2023

The press conference: (l to r) ACP Wirtz, deputy Commissioner Songoire, Commissioner Barbe and ACP Desnousse

“Seychelles Police is doing well. We have more than 100 in remands for various offences and our detection rate is high. We are doing our best to keep people safe and we will work with the community to tackle the issues that are destroying our community.”

This was shared by the Seychelles Police Force during a press conference yesterday morning led by Commissioner Ted Barbe, to provide an update on its ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes.

He was accompanied by deputy commissioner Francis Songoire and two assistant commissioners – Antoine Desnousse and Ned Wirtz.

Commissioner Barbe emphasised the persistent challenge of drug smuggling, involving both Seychellois citizens and foreigners. “Drug-related offenses constitute a significant portion of crimes in the Seychelles, with individuals from various nationalities employing innovative methods for drug importation. The Seychelles Police Force is committed to taking more decisive actions to combat this issue and create a safer and healthier environment for the nation's youth.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Wirtz provided an update on the current drug situation. He explained that in the past year, Seychelles Police has established a robust surveillance system aimed at detecting issues at the borders. In October 2023 alone, seven foreigners, two Seychellois, and a Nigerian residing in Seychelles were apprehended and brought to court on seven separate cases.

These individuals hail from Uganda, Malawi, Guinea, Kenya, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria.

“All these individuals are currently in police custody. The foreigners were arrested at the airport with the cooperation of customs and immigration officers, primarily while travelling through Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways, with drugs concealed in their luggage or on their persons,” he explained.

ACP Wirtz also disclosed that a total of 5.3 kilogrammes of cocaine and 900 grammes of cannabis resin were seized.  500 grammes of cocaine were discovered and seized during a search at the residence of the Nigerian who is here on a GOP.

ACP Wirtz emphasised the evolving methods used by drug traffickers, stating the police are continuously training their staff and adopting new techniques to detect drug carriers.

In the past, the Seychelles Police Force initiated operations in known drug trafficking areas, but ACP Wirtz pointed out that these structures were often rebuilt shortly after their operations. “Unfortunately, we are not staying in the place long enough and the structure is being built again after four days. We are working with other partners at district level – such as Local Government, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Family. We also want to announce that there will be the presence of more police officers in the Mont Fleuri district in order to work together with the community.”

For his part, ACP Desnousse said that many ongoing crimes in the community are related to drugs, and they are actively making arrests. “We are increasing patrols in town, and our detection rate remains high,” he stated, making reference to the recent case in Beau Bel, where there have been arrests and the case was ongoing.

“Many people are saying that there is an increase in robberies but they do not talk about the continuous efforts made by the Seychelles Police. Today we have more than 100 people in remand for various offences. We are having criminal acts happening and there are arrests being made,” stated ACP Desnousse.

He strongly cautioned that those caught in the act would face severe punishment, and the Seychelles Police is working closely with the Judiciary and the community.

Deputy Commissioner Songoire also highlighted the intensive fieldwork being conducted. “We collaborate with law enforcement agencies in the region and other countries to strengthen our network. We are thankful to our own Seychellois people and we encourage citizens to provide information that can lead to arrests, as drug-related challenges are prevalent worldwide.”

Regarding the ongoing absence of teenagers from their home, Commissioner Barbe said that “it was mainly a group of teenagers who work together to do that. The Seychelles Police duty is to look after the safety of the citizens but the parents also have to take their responsibility. Stop leaving your house secretly as it does take a lot from the government to look for you.”

Commissioner Barbe acknowledged the high expectations of the Seychellois citizens and the stress faced by their officers, given their huge responsibilities. He said that the police force currently consists of 1100 to 1200 members and is stretched thin.

“The Seychelles Police assured that videos and reports posted on social media are actively monitored by their communication section, and individuals who reappear on the streets after being summoned are still under investigation. The force is dedicated to removing troublemakers from the streets.”

The force also holds quarterly criminal stakeholders meetings with various agencies and institutions working with offenders, where challenges and successes are discussed and addressed in the presence of the Attorney General.

“We will also launch our strategy for the festive season and we reassure people that we are here to protect them,” concluded Commissioner Barbe.

Seychelles Police encourages every individual to play their part by reporting cases and helping in ongoing investigations.

Text and photo: Vidya Gappy