border control at the seaports and airports respectively, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from…
(No. B/322) Dr. F. Aumeer (Third Member for Port Louis South & Port Louis Central) 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 border control at the seaports and airports respectively, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to – (a) over the past three years, the number of – (i) drug seizures carried out thereat, and (ii) Police Officers, including officers of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, posted thereat allegedly involved in drug trafficking and the number thereof convicted therefor as at to date, and (b) whether profiling exercises are carried out prior to the posting of enforcement officers at strategic entry points thereof, indicating the measures being envisaged to ensure the integrity of officers posted thereat.
Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from 01 January 2023 to 10 April 2026, 108 drug seizures were carried out at the seaport and 151 at the airport. Three Police Officers posted at the airport were arrested in connection with the drug cases. These Police Officers are currently in detention and have been interdicted pursuant to Regulation 28 of the Disciplined Forces Service Commission Regulations. As regards part (b) of the question, prior to posting of Police Officers at strategic entry points, a thorough screening and due diligence exercise is carried out on the officers. After the posting of the Police Officers, their conduct is constantly monitored by the Officer-in-Charge to ascertain that they maintain the professional standards required in the exercise of their duties at all times. Rotation of Police Officers is carried out on a need basis to preserve the integrity of the different departments. Training is also dispensed to the Police Officers on matters pertaining to discipline and integrity.
Yes, hon. Dr. Aumeer!
Thank you. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether officers posted at such sensitive points at the seaport and the airport, are subjected to the declaration of assets as per the Declaration of Assets Act 2019 so that signs of external riches match their salary or even their private business?
Good!
Very good suggestion, which we are looking at and probably we will bring to Parliament later on.
Yes, second question.
Can I ask the hon. Prime Minister if consideration can be given to the presence of sniffer dogs at each of our six conveyor belts that are present in the arrival halls rather than random sniffer dogs assessing so that a thorough control of those who can use other means to get drugs in the country?
I looked into that matter, Madam Speaker, and the police tell me they do not have enough dogs, but they are looking into that problem.
Okay. Last one!
Does the hon. Prime Minister have any information from the Cargo Handling Corporation as to measures taken to have strict access to the container park and the fishing ports, particularly at night, keeping in mind that the port area was declared, in the Paul Lam Shang Leen report, as the most porous area where drugs enter the country? Thank you.
They are supposed to do that, Madam Speaker. And I hope they are doing it. Unless you have the information that they are not; you can give it to me.
We have been advised that PQ B/323 will be replied by the Minister of Health. So, now we go to Dr. Prayag. Last question! Then, time is up. ILLICIT DRUGS SEIZED – POLICE VEHICLE – INQUIRY & ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES