Campaign Say No to Drugs - Sam Lauthan: "Cannabis is Genetically Manipulated and Exploited by Traffickers"

In the framework of the "Say No to Drugs" campaign, the Mauritius Citizen Council (MCC), in collaboration with the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC), organized a working session dedicated to the drug situation in Mauritius. The meeting took place at Rabita Hall on December 14, 2025, in Port-Louis, gathering various stakeholders engaged in the fight against this scourge.

Ehsan Ismay Mamode, the president of the Mauritius Citizen Council, emphasized the importance of raising public awareness to tackle the drug issue, noting that this problem continues to wreak havoc across the country. He called for collective mobilization, asserting that the fight against drugs should involve everyone.

Role of the Family
Sam Lauthan, the president of the NADC, recalled the key directives laid down by authorities, focusing on supervision, monitoring, and counseling. He highlighted the fundamental role of the family as the first line of prevention.

Regarding cannabis, he warned against new abuses related to the manipulation and exploitation of the plant by traffickers. "Today, cannabis is not what it used to be. It is genetically manipulated and exploited by traffickers, and we do not agree with this," he stated.

According to the NADC, the priority remains prevention and repression, supported by constant fieldwork. Sam Lauthan stressed that the greatest danger is indifference, calling for sustained collective action. "We need to prepare the next generation and be resilient to carry this fight through to the end," he mentioned.

Aslam Hossenally, the Lord Mayor of Port-Louis, pointed out that drugs now take various forms and affect all layers of society. He reaffirmed the authorities’ support for families and victims. "Synthetic drugs are ravaging our population. We are here to support those affected," said Aslam Hossenally.

Labour Minister Reza Uteem reiterated the government's firm commitment to combating drugs, notably through the establishment of the National Agency for Drug Control. He explained that the NADC strengthens the fight against drugs by adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach.

He noted that the NADC operates on several fronts, including in schools, workplaces, and communities, while emphasizing rehabilitation, education, breaking taboos, and social reintegration.

The minister also lamented the direction of public debate surrounding cannabis. "The debate has been skewed and reduced solely to the legalization of cannabis. Let's allow experts to do their work and conduct the necessary consultations," he stated.

National Fight
Reza Uteem stressed the importance of the message conveyed by the campaign. "The NADC is a shield to prevent our children from falling into drug use. The theme 'Say No to Drugs' is more important than ever. The government and I are fully committed alongside the NADC," he affirmed.

On his part, Eshan Juman remarked that the current situation is the result of a heavy legacy, emphasizing that the fight against drugs requires time, patience, and a solid system. He highlighted the financial scale of trafficking, mentioning investigations conducted by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) involving billions of rupees in dirty money.

He also indicated that it takes little time to fall into drug use, while recovery from addiction requires long-term effort, clarifying that this struggle transcends political divisions. "There are no political barriers. This is a national fight," he concluded.