Nigerian Student Chidi Sentenced to 15 Years in Mauritius Prison for Heroin Trafficking

Chidi Tobias Umegboro admits to possession and distribution of 194.5g of heroin and illegal cash, highlighting Mauritius’ strict anti-drug stance.

Nigerian part-time student has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to heroin trafficking, reinforcing Mauritius’ tough approach to drug crimes.

Chidi Tobias Umegboro was handed the sentence on Wednesday by Judge Iqbal Maghooa at the Assizes Court. Umegboro admitted to possessing 194.5 grams of heroin intended for local distribution, along with an unlawful cash sum of Rs 91,900.

In his ruling, Judge Maghooa emphasized the severe societal harm caused by drug trafficking, particularly to young people, and stressed that stringent penalties are essential to protect public welfare.

“I consider that there is a great public interest that drug traffickers be treated with the utmost severity. The drug trade is a curse on our country and is ruining people’s future, especially the young,” the judge stated.

The court noted that Umegboro was actively involved in a network of drug distribution, making the offence particularly serious.

Arrest and Investigation

Umegboro was apprehended on 11 March 2020 in Flic-en-Flac by officers of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU). During a routine stop, authorities discovered heroin pellets in a plastic bag he was carrying. A subsequent search of his residence led to the seizure of Rs 91,900 in cash.

The case serves as a stark reminder of Mauritius’ strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal drugs, reinforcing law enforcement’s commitment to tackling trafficking and protecting the nation’s youth from the scourge of narcotics.

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