What You Need to Know
Minister Aadil Ameer Meea convened a meeting to address drug trafficking in Mauritius, urging collective action from all stakeholders. He highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing the role of families and communities in prevention. The Deputy Commissioner of Police reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment to tackling this issue.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. As part of Government’s sustained and collective fight against the scourge of drug trafficking, the Minister of Industry, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Aadil Ameer Meea, chaired a consultative meeting yesterday at the Roche Bois Social Centre. The aim was to take stock of the current drug situation, sharing on-the-ground realities faced in communities and identify concrete, coordinated and actionable measures to effectively combat drug abuse and trafficking.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr Mohamed Ally Oozeer, representatives of the Mauritius Police Force, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) actively engaged on the ground as well as other relevant authorities were present.
In a statement, Minister Meea expressed serious concern over the gravity of the situation, stressing that drug trafficking constitutes a direct threat to individuals, families and the civil society. He underscored the urgent need for coordination and sustained mobilisation of all stakeholders and reiterated Government’s firm resolve to intensify enforcement and prevention.
“The fight against drugs is not negotiable. It requires constant vigilance, regular strategic reviews and a rapid adaptation of our response in the face of new and increasingly dangerous substances,” he said.
Minister Meea emphasised the crucial role of families, calling on parents to educate children from an early age on the harmful effects of drugs and to instil strong moral values to prevent them from falling prey to substance abuse. He further urged civil society, NGOs, community leaders and citizens to act with determination and vigilance, emphasising that the fight against drugs is a shared national responsibility requiring collective action.
For his part, DCP Oozeer reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Mauritius Police Force in combating drug trafficking. He highlighted that law enforcement agencies are working relentlessly and have deployed a range of operational measures to curb the menace. He also stressed the importance of public cooperation, noting that the active collaboration of stakeholders and the population remain essential to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement actions.
Drug trafficking has been a persistent issue in Mauritius, posing significant challenges to public health and safety. The government has recognized the need for a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, including law enforcement, NGOs, and community leaders, to effectively address this growing concern. Recent initiatives have focused on enhancing cooperation and mobilizing resources to combat the drug crisis more effectively. The involvement of families in educating children about the dangers of drugs is also seen as crucial in preventing substance abuse.
