Madam Speaker, the World Drug Report of 2023 warned of a proliferation of supply, demand, and use of synthetic drugs as well as an increase in substance use disorders. As per the report, the number of people using drugs has increased by 11 percent globally and by as much as 40 percent in Africa in 2023. Madam Speaker, in response to the growing threats posed by synthetic drugs, the United States launched the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs Threats, aiming to accelerate international efforts to tackle this rising crisis. As part of the Global Coalition initiative, the Government of the United States provided funding to the UNODC to conduct a detailed assessment of the threats posed by synthetic drugs. This project also evaluated national and regional capacities of six East

22 African countries, namely Kenya, Madagascar, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mauritius, which were included in that to implement key actions outlined in the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy. A validation workshop was held from 25 to 27 September 2024 in Nairobi. This report, which has yet to be finalised, is expected to be released in March. As part of the assessment, in July 2024, the UNODC conducted a study on synthetic drugs specifically in Mauritius, and some of the main findings of the UNODC report are as follows –  Among the six countries that I have named, Mauritius has been identified as the leading user of synthetic cannabinoids. Mauritius is the leading one!  Drug rehabilitation efforts within the public sector remain severely limited.  Although methadone treatment - this is what the report says - is available - I remind the House that methadone was introduced when I was Prime Minister. When the new government came in 2014, the Minister then decided that ‘no, methadone is not important.’ I know an expert from Reunion Island expressed his views on that; that it is a big mistake. Then, later on, they had to reintroduce the methadone. Now, it says, although methadone treatment is available, other forms of treatment remain underdeveloped and inadequate.  Psychological support and interventions, including traditional medicine where available, need further strengthening.  With limited resources and insufficient follow-up strategies, many individuals either fail to complete inpatient treatment or relapse after finishing it. Madam Speaker, the threat posed by synthetic cannabinoids and other drugs in Mauritius was already highlighted in the Global Organised Crime Index 2023, which measured 15 criminal markets, including drug markets across 193 member states. And in that report, out of the 193, Mauritius was ranked at the 7th place with regard to the synthetic drug market behind South Africa in this area. However, in spite of Mauritius forming part of the US Global Coalition since November 2023, the previous Government allowed the situation to worsen. Nothing was done as usual! It has failed to fully leverage the benefits and resources available through the Coalition to strengthen the country’s response.

23 Madam Speaker, as stated in the Government Programme 2025-2029, which was just read by His Excellency The President, the fight against drug trafficking and use will be one of the major priorities of this Government. Let me reiterate the actions that my Government intends to take to deal with this –  Additional resources will be provided to the Police. Not just resources, not just spending money; these people will have to be trained to know how to tackle the problem, to increase their capacity to deal efficiently.  Bold measures will be adopted to end the suffering of families and society in general.  A Select Committee of the National Assembly will be appointed in the near future to look into the ways and means to address this problem of drugs.  Government will develop and implement a comprehensive Action Plan for a more efficient and effective response.  The legal provisions in respect of trafficking, consumption and treatment of drug addicts will be reviewed to cater, inter alia, for differentiated treatment of traffickers and consumers.  Government, as I mentioned just now, will set up a National Drug Policy, Monitoring and Coordination Agency that will bring together various public bodies, all under one roof, to combat drug trafficking, provide rehabilitation and support families of victims of drug abuse, all under one roof. This is why I mentioned Mr Sam Lauthan, a former Minister, to be the Chairperson of this Agency. We will also ensure, Madam Speaker, that actions being taken to combat drugs are aligned with the recommendations of the UNODC report.

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister.

Madam Speaker, can the hon. Prime Minister advise if the said study indicates if the problem of drugs is concentrated in certain regions of Mauritius or whether this is eating our future as a whole?

From what I see so far, Madam Speaker, it is a national problem – not just in one region, but a national problem.

24

Yes, thank you. The hon. Fourth Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! VIPSU POLICE OFFICERS – DEMOTION