Reply: As the hon. Member is aware, the National Agency for Drug Control Act came into force on 15 May 2025. This landmark legislation is the translation of our pledge into action as well as reaffirms the commitment of this Government to effectively address the

169 problem of drugs. The Act establishes the National Agency for Drug Control as the apex institution responsible for drug use prevention and control efforts in Mauritius. In accordance with Section 9 of the Act, the Agency will be administered and managed by a Drug Control Board. As previously announced in the House, Mr Samioullah Lauthan, Senior Advisor on Drug Policy at my Office, will chair the Drug Control Board. Furthermore, Dr. Fayzal Sulliman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Agency. As I have already mentioned in the House, Dr. Fayzal Sulliman followed a fellowship programme on substance abuse at the Johns Hopkins University, USA and has extensive experience working with the UNODC, Governments and NGOs in the field of substance abuse, both locally and abroad in the African Region. An amount of Rs70 million has been allocated for the Financial Year 2025-2026 to support the operational setup of the Agency. I am informed that procurement procedures are underway for securing office space and acquiring the necessary furniture and equipment. The Drug Control Board will soon be set up and thereafter the recruitment process of the other staff will be initiated. I wish to inform the House that while the physical establishment of the Agency is still in progress, substantive work has already begun. A National Drug Control Master Plan (2025-2029), in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Mauritius, is being prepared to comprehensively address drug trafficking, substance use, and associated harms. As soon as the Drug Control Board is set up, the Master Plan will be finalised. This Master Plan is anchored in principles of inclusivity, human rights, and gender responsiveness, with a particular focus on youth and marginalized communities. Its overarching vision is to build a healthier and safer Mauritius through enhanced enforcement and strategic interventions aligned with two national priorities – • A Comprehensive National Drug Prevention Programme. • A Holistic National Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme. The Drug Control Board will oversee the implementation of the Master Plan, once approved. In line with Section 4(c) of the Act, the National Drug Control Commission, under my chairpersonship, will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating its execution.