Police Arrest 178 Drugged Motorists and 411 Drink Drivers in 6 Weeks

The Mauritian Cabinet has greenlit emergency amendments to road traffic laws, authorizing the immediate seizure of vehicles and the instant suspension of driving licences for those caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The legislative crackdown follows a “startling” surge in road offences. Police figures reveal that between 1 January and 12 February 2026, 178 drivers tested positive for drugs, while a further 411 were caught drink-driving.

“Zero Tolerance” Policy

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the toughened stance following a series of “irresponsible” accidents, including a recent hit-and-run involving pilgrims heading to Grand-Bassin.

“If a person drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pick them up and seize their car immediately,” the Prime Minister stated.

“There will be no car. We must ensure such people sit in prison; it must be automatic.”

The Prime Minister cited a recent case where a learner driver—unlicensed and under the influence—struck two pilgrims and fled the scene.

Tests later showed the driver had 29 micrograms of alcohol in his breath, more than triple the legal limit of 9 micrograms.

Fatal Consequences

The human cost of the crisis was highlighted by the death of 24-year-old Dylan Rummun on 24 January.

Mr Rummun was killed when a car driven by his friend, Muhammad Ayman Bhugeloo, 27, careened into a security barrier in Port-Louis. Police confirmed the driver tested positive for both drugs and alcohol.

In another high-profile incident on 10 February, Jacques Kurly Babet, 39, was arrested after allegedly injuring two people.

Officers from the Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit found Babet was still under the influence of illegal substances and alcohol at the time of his arrest.

Growing Trend of Lawlessness

Road safety experts and police officials warn that the problem is deeply entrenched. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Suhail Lidialam confirmed a “zero tolerance” approach is now in effect, with increased roadside checks.

Key Statistics (2025 – Present):

• 2025 Total: Approximately 3,500 drink-driving cases and 1,000 drug-driving cases.
• Current Trend: Nearly one driver is testing positive for drugs every day in early 2026.
• Enforcement: Convicted drivers face heavy fines, prison sentences, and now, the permanent loss of their vehicle.

Calls for Holistic Reform

While supporting the seizures as a deterrent for drink-drivers, Alain Jeannot, President of Prévention Routière Avant Tout (PRAT), cautioned that tougher laws alone might not stop addicts.

“The drug problem must be treated holistically,” Mr Jeannot said, noting that while car seizures are a “deterrent,” those caught in the spiral of drug abuse require a broader social response to address the “havoc” the substances are causing on the road network.

Source: Defi Media