Madam Speaker, driving under the influence of drugs is a major concern and contributes to road accidents resulting in fatalities; more and more, this is the case. In regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from 01 January 2024 to 30 January 2025, 13 drivers involved in road accidents were tested positive to drugs. Two of these accidents were fatal. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that enquiries into the thirteen cases are ongoing. As for part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that several measures are being undertaken by the Police to deter the use of drugs by drivers, and some of the measures are as follows – a) from 01 January 2024 to 30 January 2025, 2,771 public campaigns focusing on the dangers of both drink and drug driving have been carried out in malls, public places, traffic centres, and schools; b) delivery of lectures to private companies on safe driving and behaviour on the road; c) patrols are being carried out; they have been increased on a regular basis, and

20 d) 3,378 targeted operations were carried out during the period January 2024 to 30 January 2025 in order to track road traffic offenders, including those who have consumed drugs. From 01 January 2024 to 30 January 2025, 1,146 drivers have been booked for driving under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances. Over the last weekend, some 18,258 vehicle checks were conducted, out of which 3,900 contraventions were established and 1,286 fixed penalties were issued. Furthermore, 54 drivers were tested positive for alcohol and 14 drivers tested positive for drug consumption. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that the Ministry of Land Transport is, in parallel, conducting sensitisation campaigns on the MBC TV, radio, and other media platforms, again on the dangers of drink and drug consumption and driving. Madam Speaker, my Government is very much concerned about the overall damage caused by drugs on individuals and the public at large, including road accidents involving drug-impaired drivers. We are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will relentlessly fight against the scourge of drugs in our society. Government intends to have a thorough review of the whole issue of road safety and the Penalty Point System. The Penalty Point System will be reintroduced; it should never have been stopped. But we are going to look at it in a global manner. In some places, there need not be cameras on motorways forcing drivers to suddenly brake. All this will be looked at; we are having an expert to look at this. This is what I had to say. I could also say that we are looking for people from outside to come and have a look.

Madame la présidente, le Premier ministre peut-il indiquer à la Chambre, parmi ces 13 cas qu’il a mentionnés, combien sont liés à la consommation de cannabis, combien à la consommation de drogue de synthèse et combien à la consommation de cocaïne, héroïne ou autres types de drogues ?

The information I have does not detail which drug was used, but I can say that 13 were tested positive.

Madame la présidente, une dernière question. Le Premier ministre est certainement au courant des dégâts causés par les drogues de synthèse qui sont facilement

21 accessibles aux jeunes dans les coins et recoins du pays. De ce fait, le gouvernement compte- t-il imposer des mesures pour que les chauffeurs de transports publics qui ont la vie de milliers de Mauriciens entre leurs mains soient systématiquement soumis à des contrôles avant de prendre la route ?

Yes, as I said, we are looking at it globally. All this will happen, but may I remind the hon. Member that the previous regime, – look at what happened – drug erupted in schools; young children were taking drugs. This never happened before, but, anyway, whatever has happened, we are going to look at this. I should perhaps add that we are taking it so seriously that we are having a special agency, and I am appointing Mr Sam Lauthan, who knows the issue very well. He will be like a czar for drugs! He will be in my Office, but he will be the Chairperson of that national agency.

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. The hon. Third Member for Pamplemousses and Triolet! SYNTHETHIC DRUGS PROLIFERATION – SURVEY