Drug Enforcement: 120 Seizures by the MRA in 2025 Worth Over Rs 8 Billion

On the occasion of International Customs Day (JCD) celebrated on January 26, Mauritian authorities highlighted the results of drug seizures carried out by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) in the fight against drug trafficking. This commemoration was marked by the inauguration of a full-body X-ray scanner at the Mer Rouge customs in Port Louis, a piece of equipment acquired for Rs 8 million to enhance detection capabilities at maritime borders.

In the financial year 2025, customs services conducted over 120 drug seizures, with an estimated total value exceeding Rs 8 billion. Among these were approximately 433 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 6.5 billion. These figures illustrate the scale of operations undertaken by the MRA amid a backdrop where criminal networks increasingly resort to complex concealment methods, including transporting illicit substances within body cavities.

Situated at the cruise terminal of the port, the new scanner complements the existing setup at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, thereby expanding the scope of inspections at the port area, deemed a strategic entry point.

According to officials, this extension aims to consolidate the successes achieved in seizures.

Authorities have also announced several projects, including the recruitment of new officers, the acquisition of patrol vessels, and the modernization of surveillance systems, to maintain an appropriate level of vigilance in response to identified risks.