Africa-Press – Mauritius. The relentless fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is among Government’s top priorities for a safer Mauritius and the collaboration of everyone is imperative, reiterated the Prime Minister, Mr.
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, today at the Prison Training School, Beau Bassin
He was speaking at the opening of a consultation workshop focusing on strengthening drug prevention programme in the context of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on 26 June.
The event was organised by the Prime Minister’s Office, (Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity Division). The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal, the World Health Organization Representative in Mauritius, Dr Laurent Musango, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Mrs Christine Umutoni and other personalities were present.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Jugnauth reaffirmed Government’s firm determination to continuously step up the fight against drug scourge with its zero-tolerance policy.
In Mauritius as well as around the world, he said actions are being undertaken over the years with a view to fight illicit drugs, adversely impacting on the society both locally and internationally.
On Government’s commitment to counter this problem, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Anti-Drug Smuggling Unit, in collaboration with other enforcement agencies such as the Customs Department of the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have extensively reinforced resources, equipment and strategies to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Additional means are being provided to the police force and the construction of a complex at La Vigie to house the FSL has been budgeted, he added. A National Action Plan 2021 developed by the National Drugs Secretariat with the collaboration of several NGOs and governmental bodies was also highlighted by the Prime Minister.
He recalled that he had put in place the High Level Drug and HIV Council to inquire into the drug scourge in the country. A National Social Inclusion Foundation has been also set up to help NGOs. The Prime Minister cautioned officers who yield to temptation and become complicit in drug dealing.
He called for more active participation with the optimal use of resources and the concerted efforts of everyone so as to effectively tackle drug trafficking, which is constantly evolving through use of technological tools. For his part, Minister Jagutpal elaborated on the various programmes provided by the Health Ministry to curb substance abuse in the country.
They comprise rehabilitation and prevention programmes, extensive anti-drug campaign, distribution of methadone at 46 sites around the country including four sites in prison, a Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre for young drug addicts at Long Mountain Hospital and the setting up of a new drug rehabilitation Centre at Brown Sequard Hospital in June 2021.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trade
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an effort of the United Nations aimed at strengthening action and spreading awareness about drug abuse and illegal drug trade in the world. The theme for 2021 is “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”.
