drugs, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section of the Mauritiu…
(No. B/583) Mr K. Lobine (First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to drugs, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section of the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Anti-Drug Smuggling Unit, information as to the quantity thereof seized at the ports and airports, respectively, since December 2024 to date, indicating the – (a) value thereof in each case, and (b) number of cases in which controlled delivery thereof resulted in the arrest of the local counterparts.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that as from December 2024 to 03 July 2025, 58 drug trafficking cases were detected at the ports and airports in Mauritius and Rodrigues. This was through joint operations conducted by ADSU and MRA officers. These operations resulted in the seizure of 691.2 kg of dangerous drugs. In addition, other dangerous drugs in the form of pills, liquids, seeds and synthetic gummies were also seized. A total of 64 persons has been arrested in connection with these seizures. In relation to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the total estimated street value of the drugs seized during this period amounts to Rs1,115,136,222. So, over 1 billion.
33 Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that between December 2024 and 03 July 2025, 17 controlled delivery exercise were conducted by ADSU with a view to identifying local collaborators. 13 of these operations were successful and led to the arrest of 19 suspects. I would also like to reiterate the firm determination of this Government to fight the drug scourge. Equipping ADSU and MRA with the latest technological tools for combatting proliferation of illegal drugs, including synthetic drugs is a matter of top priority for this Government. Provisions have been made in the Budget 2025-2026 for the procurement of specialised items such as drones, two scanners to be installed at Rodrigues, and one full body X-Ray scanner at Cruise Terminal for ADSU and MRA. The Government has also just set up the National Agency for Drug Control which will bring together enforcement, rehabilitation and family support services under one roof. The Agency will collaborate with both ADSU and Customs Anti-Narcotics Section of the Mauritius Revenue Authority. The Agency is currently developing a master plan which will serve as the national strategic framework for drug use, including prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement. The master plan will adopt a comprehensive evidence-based and multisectoral approach to address the drug-related challenges. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Government is also strengthening its maritime security architecture through regional cooperation, bilateral partnership and strategic investments to prevent drug trafficking in the high seas. Collaborative initiatives such as the Safe Seas Africa Project, Cutlass Express and bilateral engagements with France and also with the support from Japan for upgrading coastal surveillance demonstrate a shared commitment to combat transnational threats, including drug trafficking to ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain.
Yes, the hon. Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac! COVID-19 – PACK & BLISTER – DEFECTIVE VENTILATORS PROCUREMENT – INQUIRY