Businessman sentenced to six years for importing 68.6kg of cannabis |18 September 2026
Businessman sentenced to six years for importing 68.6kg of cannabis
Nico Hertel, a 32-year-old businessman from La Gogue, Anse Etoile, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment by the Supreme Court on Friday, September 11, 2026, for importing a controlled drug.
Hertel was arrested on March 14, 2025, at the port after 68,648 grammes of cannabis were found concealed inside car seats in an imported container.
During the trial, Hertel initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty. He told the court that he became involved in the drug importation because of financial difficulties, which he said were linked to the need to sustain his auto business, Auto World (PTY) Ltd, and repay outstanding debts.
Hertel said an unnamed individual introduced him to the idea of importing drugs, telling him that the proceeds from their sale could help him settle his company’s debts.
Hertel was convicted by Justice Brassel Adeline. He has 30 days to appeal the sentence.
Any time Hertel spent in police custody will be deducted from his six-year prison term.