Madam Speaker, with regard to parts (a) and (a) (i) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from 01 September 2024 to 12 March 2026, 822 synthetic drug consumers have been arrested, most of whom were from the regions of Upper Plaine Wilhems, Grand Port and Port Louis North. In regard to part (a) (ii) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the quantity and street value of dangerous drugs secured are taken into consideration to determine whether an accused is a dealer or whether he is a trafficker. If a large quantity of drugs is secured and its street value is less than Rs1 million, the suspect is treated as a dealer. If the street value exceeds Rs1 million, the suspect is considered to be a trafficker. During the same period, 879 dealers and 31 traffickers were arrested for dealing and trafficking in synthetic drugs. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that the Police have raided several premises where utensils used for the mixture of derivatives to make synthetic drugs and the consumption thereof were secured.

Thank you. Yes, Dr. Aumeer!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, in regard to the solvents that are being used in the manufacturing and production of synthetic drugs, as has been found by the forensic lab, will the Government consider having strict regulation as to its sale at retail level or even consider a ban so that we will see a decrease in the number of drug addicts on the streets? Thank you.

I should add that there is going to be a new forensic lab – you should probably know, it is nearly ready – but also, since February of this year, we have a new director, Dr. Seetohul, who has assumed leadership of that lab. He is a distinguished toxicologist with over 20 years of experience in the UK. He is in another diaspora, he has left the UK, and come to Mauritius to look at the lab. We have lots and lots of shortcomings, he has already seen them; lots of shortcomings in the lab. He is trying to correct this.

Are you happy? Yes, last one!

Thank you, it is a very short question. Will the hon. Prime Minister see with the Commissioner of Police whether, the tracking of zombies, who line up the streets of many of our regions in Mauritius, can be tracked down to the dealers or traffickers and arrest them on spot; whether the law should be amended or so, but I think that would help to bring down the number of synthetic users on our roads?

I will certainly pass that information to the Commissioner of Police. I should add that there is a new person at the head of ADSU at the moment who is very effective. He has already given lots of results. He is an ASP, Mr Seebaluck.

Okay, thank you. So, next question will be for Mr Edouard from Rodrigues! RODRIGUES – WATER PROJECTS – FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE