Synthetic Drugs: 879 Dealers and 31 Traffickers Arrested Since September 2024

From September 1, 2024, to March 12, 2026, 879 dealers and 31 traffickers of synthetic drugs were arrested in Mauritius. This information was provided by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam on March 17 during a session of the National Assembly, in response to a question from MP Farhad Aumeer.

Citing information from the police commissioner, the Prime Minister specified that these arrests are part of a sustained effort to combat the proliferation of synthetic drugs in the country.

During the same period, 822 consumers of synthetic drugs were apprehended. According to the Prime Minister, most of these consumers come from the areas of Upper Plaines-Wilhems, Grand-Port, and North Port-Louis, which are regions with high prevalence.

The Prime Minister explained the criteria used by authorities to distinguish between dealers and traffickers. "The quantity and market value of the seized dangerous drugs are considered to determine whether a suspect is a dealer or a trafficker," he explained. Thus, "if a large quantity of drugs is seized and its market value is below Rs 1 million, the suspect is considered a dealer." In contrast, "if the market value exceeds Rs 1 million, the suspect is regarded as a trafficker."

These clarifications aim to clarify the classification made by law enforcement in drug-related investigations, particularly in a context where synthetic drugs represent an increasing challenge for authorities.

Regarding the infrastructure related to the production of these substances, Navin Ramgoolam stated that the police have conducted several targeted operations. "The police have raided several locations where utensils used for mixing derivatives intended for the manufacture of synthetic drugs, as well as for their consumption, have been seized," he noted.

However, no numerical data was provided concerning the exact number of clandestine laboratories identified, dismantled, or destroyed during the reviewed period.