What is arguably the biggest drug case in Seychelles’ history is currently before the Supreme Court. The case involves multiple accused individuals—at least 11 people are presently being held in police custody—and concerns millions of rupees in alleged illicit dealings.
Initially, the Supreme Court had issued a media blackout, barring coverage of the case. The precise justification for this unprecedented move in Seychelles’ media history was unclear. However, the public was left speculating, with some suggesting that powerful political figures may have interests to protect. There is a widespread belief in some circles that certain political parties have historically received financial backing from drug traffickers, particularly during the 2020 election campaign.
On Saturday, 17 May 2025, Ralph Volcère, Editor of the Seychelles Independent and a presidential candidate in the upcoming September elections, was on Praslin conducting a door-to-door campaign at Marie Jeanne Estate in Baie Ste Anne.
Volcère reported noticing an unusual number of official-looking security vehicles circulating the area, similar to those typically used by the President. These vehicles reportedly lingered near where Volcère was campaigning, stopping on the road just meters away and monitoring his activities. However, as Volcère and his team approached, the vehicles would move on. The occupants were not visible due to heavily tinted windows.
Initially dismissing the activity as a coincidence, Volcère and his team grew concerned when the vehicles continued to patrol the area throughout the afternoon. Later, residents informed them that armed personnel had raided the home of the mother of Luigi (Luigi Stéphane) Niole, a resident of Marie Jeanne Estate and one of the main suspects in the high-profile drug case. Niole, a 30-year-old businessman, is listed as the 7th accused in the ongoing court proceedings.
The charges under investigation reportedly include Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Drug, Money Laundering, and Organising to Commit the Offence of Importation.
What raised further eyebrows, however, was information from multiple residents alleging that the President himself had paid a visit to Luigi Niole’sfather and mother at their residence during the day. The latter had also been arrested initially and later released.He is said to have stayed for at least an hour and a half—an unusual development, given the nature and gravity of the case.
Shortly after this alleged visit, there was a notable change: Niole was transferred from Montagne Posée Prison to the Remand Centre at Bois de Rose. This move places him much closer to Victoria and makes visits more convenient, prompting widespread speculation that some form of deal may be underway, orchestrated by the President.
It is well known that the President has, on several occasions in the past,usurped the power of the Attorney-General to cause charges to be dropped against accused persons, whose families are LDS supporters.
The connection between the President’s reported visit, the ongoing high-stakes trial, and the sudden prison transfer raises serious questions. While authorities remain silent, the public is left to wonder: was the head of state really at the house of a key suspect’s mother, and if so, why?
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