72 Drug Cases Reported in Schools from 2015 to 2024

In a disheartening revelation, the Minister of Education, Mahend Gungapersad, has disclosed that between 2015 and 2024, a staggering 72 incidents of drug-related activities have been reported in schools—a grim statistic including one distressing case from a primary school. This stark reality was laid bare during a parliamentary inquiry led by Kevin Lukeeram, the representative for Mahébourg/Plaine-Magnien, who sought clarity on the prevalence of drug cases in both primary and secondary educational institutions over the past nine years.

During his address, Minister Gungapersad lamented the encroachment of drug traffickers into the very sanctuaries of learning.

“These merciless criminals are unrelenting, unscrupulously dragging our children and the school infrastructure into their sordid enterprises,” he stated, underscoring the serious nature of the issue.

He emphasised that all drug-related incidents have been duly referred to law enforcement, as per established protocols, to ensure accountability.

The figures presented painted a stark picture: of the 72 cases, only one was reported in primary schools while a sobering 71 incidents occurred in secondary education settings.

“These statistics are taken very seriously by my ministry. The fight against drugs occupies a significant place on our agenda.

That is why, on 30th January this year, I convened a High-Level Multi-Sectoral Meeting with various stakeholders to address the pressing issues of drug use and indiscipline in schools,” Gungapersad highlighted, expressing his commitment to the cause.

Representatives from numerous fields attended this critical meeting, including officials from the Gender Equality Ministry, the Family Welfare Ministry, the Child Development Ministry, health authorities, and the police force, alongside school managers and youth rehabilitation officers.

The discussions revolved around effective strategies to curtail the spread of drugs around school premises.

In a determined response to this alarming trend, several initiatives have been put in place.

Regular informative sessions are conducted to raise awareness among students and staff about the scourge of drug use.

Additionally, the ministry is deploying two preventive programmes—The Rebound and the Get Connected Programme—in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The National Education Counselling Service is also providing vital support to vulnerable students and their families.

In tandem with these educational efforts, the police have intensified targeted operations. The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) is collaborating with the Family Protection Brigade to enforce stricter surveillance across all educational establishments.

This community-focused approach sees police carrying out regular patrols, while the government is set to extend the law’s reach to deter students from engaging in illicit activities.

Minister Gungapersad has also reached out to non-governmental organisations involved in drug prevention efforts, urging them to provide training and support to Student Councils, Prefects, and Parent-Teacher Associations on this crucial issue.

“We must also turn to grandparents, instilling fundamental human and moral values in our children,” he persuasively remarked.

Furthermore, the minister pointed out the vulnerability of youth who often lack the necessary skills to resist harmful influences.

“Thus, engaging in dialogue and focusing on prevention is vital. The war against drugs cannot be confined within the walls of a school; it necessitates the involvement of the entire community.

Every parent, teacher, police officer, citizen, and politician has a crucial role to play in combating drug trafficking,” he asserted with fervour.

In closing, Mahend Gungapersad called for a proactive stance, urging vigilance and determination in the face of this societal blight.

He reiterated the government’s commitment, asserting that the battle against drugs will remain a paramount priority.

Source: Le Mauricien