Mauritius drug trafficking and policy response

Mauritian authorities have launched investigations into a synthetic drug trafficking network suspected of involving members of the Chagos Islands community in both Mauritius and the United Kingdom. The investigation follows several high-profile seizures at Plaisance Airport, including the interception of 2.86 kilograms of synthetic drugs valued at approximately Rs 42.9 million. Investigators believe the network targets vulnerable young people to serve as couriers.

In response to rising synthetic drug use and organized crime, the Mauritian government is planning to establish a National Crime Agency. Modeled after the British National Crime Agency, this body intends to centralize intelligence to combat fraud, corruption, money laundering, and drug trafficking, though it will not hold arrest or prosecution powers.

Concurrently, the government is reviewing cannabis policies. A technical committee is evaluating options ranging from decriminalization to legalization. Advocates for reform suggest that shifting focus away from cannabis could enable law enforcement to better target more harmful synthetic drugs and reduce corruption.