Mauritius’ Drug Crisis Persists Despite Authorities’ Promises to Act

For years, Mauritian authorities have proclaimed their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, yet little has changed in the country’s landscape of drug use. Mauritius continues to hold alarming records regarding the consumption of heroin and synthetic drugs in the region.

A recent Afrobarometer survey revealed that drug-related issues remained a primary concern for many Mauritians.

Social worker Sam Lauthan, who also serves as an advisor to the drug inquiry commission, shared his insights into the complexities of the problem and potential solutions.

Lauthan began by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of addiction, encompassing a diverse range of individuals grappling with unique issues across various social conditions.

This complexity implying that a one-size-fits-all solution is inadequate.

“Addiction can be defined as a spectrum of people with a variety of problems living in a range of social circumstances, consuming different psychoactive substances for assorted reasons, and facing a host of negative consequences,” he explained.

A critical first step, he argued, is enforcing stringent controls at entry points for illegal drugs, such as customs, ports, airports, and coastlines.

“The evidence is undeniable. There have been vessels discovered in Réunion and Madagascar. We cannot overlook suspicious movements surrounding the Wakashio incident,” he recalled, referencing his previous role as Minister of Social Security.

Continuous Review of Laws Necessary

However, stronger enforcement alone is insufficient. Lauthan insisted that the laws governing drug-related offenses must be continually reviewed and updated.

“The mafia employs legal experts to scrutinize legislation worldwide in search of loopholes, and Mauritius is no exception,” he stated.

He cited the inadequate checks on gas canisters as an example where reform could have significant impact, noting a recent incident where 39 cut gas canisters were found in Montagne-Jacquot, confirming his concerns were valid.

Preventative measures are also essential. Contrary to public opinion reflected in surveys, Lauthan observed that the primary responsibility for prevention lies with parents and educators.

“Schools should introduce life skills courses that teach children to resist peer pressure and bullying—two major contributors to drug use,” he suggested.

Even with proactive measures in place, Lauthan acknowledged that drugs will still find their way into the country, necessitating effective and individualized treatment strategies.

“Detoxification is just the first step; the real challenge is preventing relapse. Psychological support is crucial, and family involvement is important too. Beyond family therapy, group therapy can help build a supportive network of ‘positive peers,’ which is vital for recovery,” he advocated.

If the Ministry of Health is struggling to manage these endeavors alone, Lauthan is proposing collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) already active in the field.

“This partnership could facilitate more effective family therapy,” he added.

Training Law Enforcement

The training of police officers is also a significant factor in combating drug abuse.

“There have been instances where personnel from law enforcement have been arrested on drug charges. The public’s frustrations are directed at the police since they are viewed as the enforcers of order,” Lauthan explained.

He advocated for modern training to address evolving drug issues.

Today’s drugs often come in varied forms, and Lauthan recounts an incident where a police officer was arrested with a bottle of bath salts disguised as an innocuous product.

“These products may be sold legally, but their usage can easily be misappropriated.”

He highlighted concerning findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory that show illicit drugs can contain harmful yet legal substances, often found in everyday stores, suggesting that drug trafficking methods are evolving.

Call for Wider Availability of Naloxone

Kunal Naik, an addiction specialist, underscored the importance of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, noting it is ineffective against synthetic drugs.

Currently, naloxone is only available in hospitals, which, according to many social workers, is a flawed system.

“During an overdose, friends are often reluctant to take the individual to the hospital due to fear of repercussions. Every second counts in these situations, which is why naloxone should be accessible at clinics, not just hospitals,” Naik argued.

Naik added that it is essential for naloxone to be available to NGOs and peer networks—individuals already working one-on-one with drug users—so that it can be administered as quickly as possible.

However, he reiterated that naloxone’s limitations remained a significant challenge, particularly concerning synthetic drugs.

In summary, tackling the drug crisis in Mauritius demands a multifaceted approach, encompassing legal reforms, preventive education, effective treatment, and community involvement, alongside enhanced training for law enforcement.

Source: l’Express