La Réunion rolls out 60‑action plan to curb drug trafficking and addiction

The French overseas department of La Réunion unveiled a comprehensive anti‑narcotics program comprising 60 measures across three pillars – prevention, repression and communication – in a presentation by Prefect Patrice Latron.

Key actions include strengthening border controls with additional customs officers at Roland‑Garros airport and a permanent police unit at the Grand Port maritime, the creation of a departmental committee to fight organised crime, and intensified drug‑testing of drivers. The plan also calls for expanded cooperation with neighbouring Mauritius and the Seychelles to disrupt trafficking networks.

On the prevention side, the regional health agency (ARS) will fund school‑based programmes targeting 10,000 students annually, while health services will increase support for people with addiction issues. Since the start of the year, 35 drug couriers have been intercepted at the airport and 58 mules were seized last year. The authorities stress that the coordinated effort aims to protect the island’s public health, safety and economy.