<B>Fake goods seized at airport</B>

500 pair of tennis shoes and 500 garments (T-shirts and jackets) were seized at the airport by officers of the examining section – particularly members of the intellectual property rights department – of customs. They were fake products – supposedly of a well-known brand – coming from South Eastern Asia, particularly China, South Korea and Thailand. They were imported by two shopkeepers in Port-Louis. The battle against counterfeit products continues…

<B>Choonee sues for damages </B>

Former minister Mukhesswur Choonee is suing the three commissioners of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) – Navin Beekarry, Moussa Taujoo and Gérard Bisasur – the commissioner of police, Ramanooj Gopalsingh, and the state for arbitrary arrest in 2003. He is claiming Rs 50 million. He had been arrested for criminal agreement to swindle shopkeeper Hashim Bawamia. The Director of Public Prosecutions dismissed the case for lack of evidence.

<B>ADSU on the trail of Subutex network</B>

The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) is being mobilised after the arrest of Mohamad Oozeer who had 128 strips – that is 896 tablets – of Subutex in his possession. The Subutex, considered as a dangerous drug whose sale is prohibited in Mauritius, can be used for detoxification of heroin-addicts, and its consumption should be allowed in specific cases and if it is submitted to extremely strict controls, according to certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs). But the police say that these drugs should remain banned. ADSU considers that the number of tablets found on the accused can only be a sign that there is a bigger network behind this affair. The more so as 5,413 tablets were seized at the airport one month ago.

<B>Good news for DIY fans</B>

One of the French specialists in tools, Mr Bricolage, could set up a business in Mauritius with the collaboration of A.G. Joonas & Co. The latter will be the exclusive franchise holder in the country. Since the arrival of some representatives of the company a few days ago, there have been discussions with the Joonas company. The project is said to be materialising. The first hypermarket to specialise in tools for joinery, plumbing, electrical work, painting and so on should open either in Port-Louis centre, Richeterre or Ebène.