Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that on Thursday 02 April 2026, a Supervisor at Mitsubishi Motors, Leal Company Limited, at Pailles, found a suspicious plastic parcel containing several aluminium foils allegedly containing dangerous drugs in a Police vehicle, which had been brought for servicing and tyre check at the company’s workshop. As there was no immediate superior officer to report the matter, he kept the suspicious parcel in its original place and locked the vehicle. The next day, he informed his superiors at Mitsubishi Motors who then reported the matter to the Police Vehicle Transport Unit, responsible for the servicing and repairs of fleet of Police vehicles. The matter was immediately referred to the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and, on the same day, a team of ADSU Metropolitan called at the location and, in presence of all parties concerned, secured the suspected parcel, allegedly containing drugs. The vehicle was kept under lock and key at Mitsubishi Motors and the Police Sergeant from the Police Vehicle Transport Unit and the Supervisor of Mitsubishi Motors were brought at ADSU Office for enquiry. The Police vehicle was examined by officers of the Forensic Science Lab and the Police photographer on 07 April 2026, as Mitsubishi Motors was closed from Saturday 04 to Monday 06 April 2026 for the Easter weekend. On the same day, the exhibits were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination as well as for DNA swab. Madam Speaker, the said vehicle is used by eight personnel of the Special Team Metropolitan Division (North) on a daily basis and they have been interrogated and their statements have been recorded. The Police Sergeant from the Police Vehicle Transport Unit and three employees of Mitsubishi Motors have also been interviewed and their statements recorded. On 09 April 2026, the houses of a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable of the Special Team Metropolitan Division (North) were searched, but nothing incriminating was found. So far, Madam Speaker, there is no direct evidence against any of the Police Officers, and therefore, no arrest or suspension has been effected in connection with this case. The results of the DNA tests and further investigation will determine the course of action in terms of arrest or suspension. With regard to part (b) of the question, I would like to inform the House that Commanders and Station Managers of the Mauritius Police Force have been instructed to strictly abide with existing Standing Orders to ensure an in-depth verification of all Police vehicles under their responsibilities and the Police Inspectorate Team to carry out surprise checks of Police Stations as well as vehicles under their responsibilities. In addition, the Police Vehicle Technical Unit will henceforth examine in depth all Police vehicles being referred for maintenance, servicing or repairs. Police is also carrying out specific training to Police Officers, focusing on accountability and transparency and the consequences meted out for indulging in drug related offences as public officers.

Yes, just one because we are …

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Could the hon. Prime Minister consider reshuffling police vehicles between stations as an urgent means to tackle this issue?

I can advise the Commissioner of Police of your request.

Thank you. Time is up! I have to inform you that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/327, B/328, B/329, B/332, B/333, B/334, B/335, B/336, B/338, B/339, B/340, B/342, B/343, and B/344. Now, we go to questions addressed to Ministers. Because of the PQ’s that have been withdrawn – it is a bit of a mess – it seems to me that I have to call hon. Caserne now! CULTURAL DESK – IMPLEMENTATION STATUS