Cité Durgahed, Pailles Under Pressure: Drugs, Prostitution, and Violence on Every Corner

Cité Durgahed, Pailles, remains under severe pressure from rampant drug use, prostitution, and violence, despite police raids and promises of increased vigilance. Local residents are frustrated, with children exposed to debauchery and minors being used as drug dealers. The situation appears to be spiraling out of control, especially on Talipot Avenue, where a woman known as the "boss" is rumored to hold sway.

In a previous article from Défi Quotidien on October 19, 2025, our editorial team reported on daytime drug trafficking near Xavier Barbé School, with authorities pledging to take action. However, just ten days later, the situation remains bleak: nothing has changed.

On Talipot Avenue, a woman well known to the police—who has been arrested multiple times—continues to distribute drugs with impunity, right in front of the community. According to several residents, she has even established a reputation in the area. "She is out there every day! Drugs are being sold openly in front of people. Even the women in the neighborhood are afraid to go near her house," one anonymous resident laments.

For about a month now, locals have noticed a young man unfamiliar to the area, often seen in a beige car or, for the past two weeks, riding a large green or black motorcycle without a license plate. He reportedly spends most of his time with the "boss" and acts as a courier, transporting drugs to Batterie Cassée and Caro Calyptus.

"We don't understand how the police can't catch this! There is Safe City and cameras everywhere, yet drugs are still circulating," one resident expresses indignantly. "Even when Adsu comes to search, they find nothing. That woman has been tipped off; she takes her family and goes for a picnic. There are people in the police warning her," he continues bitterly.

Residents also claim that the suspect employs minors to sell or transport drugs, and that children under her care no longer attend school. "CDU came and found minors in the house, but after that, they disappeared completely. We haven't heard from them since!" adds a trembling mother.

Alarming Reality

The situation is equally alarming in Cité Durgahed and Palmier Avenue, where drug use and prostitution are openly visible. The small neighborhood kiosk, once a meeting place, has become a den for drug addicts and sex workers. Residents have found empty methadone vials and used syringes littering the ground. "We are living in hell! There are children passing by on their way to school who see this. The Pailles police seem to find nothing," a father shares live on social media.

In response to this growing outrage, the local MP, Dr. Farhad Aumeer, visited the area to meet with residents. He claims to have alerted the police commissioner and high-ranking officials in Port-Louis South. "We must rid the neighborhood of these scourges. I want residents to be able to live in safety and peace," he stated, committing to swift action.

However, for the residents of Pailles, promises are no longer enough. As long as the "boss" continues to dominate the area, fear will remain the prevailing atmosphere.