Mauritius Junior Minister Véronique Leu-Govind Resigns Amid Cannabis Trafficking Probe

Junior Minister Véronique Leu-Govind stepped down from her post as Minister of Arts and Culture on 3 August after her husband, Gulshan Govind, was arrested in a large‑scale cannabis‑trafficking investigation linking Mauritius and Réunion. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the resignation, emphasizing the presumption of innocence and noting that no immediate replacement would be appointed for the Arts and Culture portfolio.

The anti‑drug and smuggling unit (ADSU) has summoned Leu‑Govind to appear with legal counsel on 5 August. A recent raid on the couple’s home seized four cannabis plants, a vial of a suspected dangerous substance, and a seized SUV that tested positive for cannabis residues. The case involves an estimated 155.7 kg of cannabis valued at Rs 233.5 million.

In the same cabinet reshuffle, Anabelle Savabaddy was sworn in as Junior Minister for Tourism and Tony Apollon as Junior Minister for Sports, while Karen Foo was reassigned to the Environment portfolio.