(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) says it arrested two drug traffickers in the Western part of the main Seychelles island of Mahé this week, in possession of illegal drugs with a street value of $46, 000.

According to a press statement issued yesterday, this is the latest in a series of operations the NDEA has carried out in the western Mahé region particularly in the Port Glaud and Anse Boileau districts, as part of its strategy to target the distribution networks of drug traffickers.

“One of the two men arrested has two outstanding drug offences against him for which he is already awaiting trial. Both have been remanded in custody pending further investigations and to await their trials,” read the statement.

NDEA says the latest seizure together with a previous operation in April where $154,000 worth of cannabis were seized have “dealt a substantial blow to the supply chain and drug distribution network in western Mahé.

The Seychelles anti narcotics bureau has also indicated that a total of 73 people were arrested during the month of August this year for drug related offences. The month of August according to the NDEA, also saw the seizure of drugs worth more than $77, 000 and $5,000 in cash.

“NDEA operations in the west and other ‘Hotspot’ areas will continue for as long as necessary to eliminate the threat posed by these illicit drugs and drug related activities,” read the statement.

The importation of illegal drugs remains nevertheless a major challenge for NDEA’s border control units considering the vast coastlines and sea borders of the Indian Ocean island nation.