Mauritius Teenage Drug Admissions Hit Worrying Record High of 173 in 2025

Teenage drug abuse admissions in Mauritius have hit a worrying new high, with 173 cases recorded since the beginning of 2025 alone.

The figures, which reveal a stark upward trend in adolescent substance abuse over recent years, were disclosed during a parliamentary session in response to a question originally addressed to the Minister of Health, Anil Bachoo.

Due to his absence, the response was delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Avinash Ramtohul.

Official parliamentary data tracks a steady rise in youth admissions over the last five years, despite a brief dip four years ago.

The statistics reveal:

• 2021: 117 admissions
• 2022: 97 admissions
• 2023: 126 admissions
• 2024: 139 admissions
• 2025 (to date): 173 admissions

Minister Ramtohul highlighted the findings of a 2023 national study surveyed across 400 teenagers aged 15 to 17 in both Mauritius and Rodrigues.

The study found that nearly 98% of the adolescents questioned view drug addiction as a major problem among young people, with cannabis identified as the most commonly consumed substance.

In response to the growing crisis, the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) has announced plans for a new study.

This research will specifically focus on the consumption of synthetic drugs among secondary school students to better understand risk factors and tailor future interventions.

A series of early intervention measures are also being introduced. These include specialized training programs for school rectors and educators to improve the early detection of at-risk cases, alongside targeted prevention initiatives aimed at children under the age of 12.

Furthermore, the government noted that several rehabilitation facilities are currently operational across the island, including services at Long Mountain and the Brown-Séquard Hospital.

A new dedicated center is also expected to open shortly in Quartier Militaire to boost support capacity.

Source: Defi Media