The Drug Scourge: A Ticking Time Bomb

Editorial

This issue is a fundamental threat to the fabric of our society, not secondary to economic debates about the Budget, deficits, or pension reform

June 26th, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, serves as a stark annual reminder that the global drug problem isn’t a distant concern, but a present and growing threat. While our local shores might not yet feel the full brunt of this scourge in its catastrophic form, it’s a time bomb ticking relentlessly, posing a severe threat to the country if not addressed with immediate and unwavering resolve. This issue isn’t secondary to economic debates about budgets, deficits, or pension reforms; it’s a fundamental threat to the very fabric of our society, impacting individuals, families, communities, and our national development in ways that are often hidden but profoundly destructive.

The profound harm inflicted by drugs, especially the insidious rise of synthetic varieties, goes far beyond individual suffering. These substances cause widespread, nefarious disruptions that corrode the foundations of our society from within. The human cost is immeasurable: shattered lives, broken families, and communities grappling with addiction, crime, and despair. And yet, the true depth of this societal “canker” remains largely unknown due to the inherently covert nature of the illicit drug trade. While dedicated agencies and NGOs provide estimates, common sense suggests these figures are likely gross underestimations.

The effectiveness of our fight against drug trafficking is intrinsically linked to the strength and integrity of our police force. Deploying capable and principled police officers, whether in specialized units or local stations, is absolutely crucial. Yet, a deeply troubling question lingers: how is it that even in small villages with populations of 5,000-6,000, concerned residents can readily identify a dozen synthetic drug sellers, while their identities somehow remain unknown to the police? This glaring disconnect suggests either a lack of resources, a breakdown in intelligence gathering, or, more disturbingly, a deeper infiltration of corruption within the very institutions sworn to protect us.

Past commissions of inquiry, notably those presided over by Justices Rault and Lam Shang Leen, have unequivocally pointed to the alarming reality of lower-level politicians and public officials undermining key public institutions in the fight against drugs and crime. Decisive actions in the wake of the Rault Report temporarily stemmed the tide. However, if the recent statements by the current Prime Minister about billions worth of drug seizures and thousands of police arrests are any indication, that reprieve was fleeting. (Much less is known about the outcomes — whether successful or not — of the actions taken following the Lam Shang Leen Commission under the previous government.) These figures, while seemingly impressive, tell us nothing of the quantities that filtered through undetected, painting a picture of an illicit industry whose proceeds are estimated at several percent of our GDP.

The Perverse Ramifications

The pervasive nature of this illicit industry raises other disturbing questions: If drug cartels have managed to infiltrate our system to such an extent that they can embarrass a large swathe of officials responsible for law and order, can they truly be dealt with effectively? More critically, are powerful mafia-like drug gangs operating within our borders, potentially posing a direct threat to the peace and quiet of our nation? And if some political figures themselves have been beneficiaries of perverse donations from this nefarious source, can we truly expect them to lead the charge in arresting its spread?

Surely, our various intelligence-gathering agencies must possess — even if discreetly — lists of individuals in every region whose lifestyles and assets, whether held directly or through suspected prête-noms, far exceed their declared means. Why then does drug trafficking continue to expand unabated across the length and breadth of the island? The Lam Shang Leen Report clearly highlighted the established passage-ways for drug import through our port, airport, and via speedboats. Is everything truly being done to ensure the security and effectiveness of two-way cross-border assistance with neighbouring sister islands? The immense amounts of dirty money generated by this trade rely on some form of patronage and necessitate sophisticated money-laundering mechanisms – through gambling establishments, casinos, fast-food outlets, and complex distribution circuits. Our agencies cannot be ignorant of these operations. The challenge lies in dismantling these networks, not just apprehending the foot soldiers.

The Path Forward

A critical piece of this complex puzzle lies in the government’s seemingly hesitant approach to the managed depenalization of cannabis. While such a measure could potentially alleviate some pressures on the drug enforcement system and offer a regulated alternative, its success hinges on a crucial factor: can users be genuinely persuaded to shift to cannabis? There’s a significant risk that, without comprehensive strategies and clear economic incentives, users might simply remain with synthetic drugs, which are often considerably less costly and more readily accessible on the black market. On the other hand, as Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam prudently noted during the parliamentary debate on the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) bill, the complexity of cannabis regulation, differentiating between depenalization and legalization, demands scientific studies and nuanced debate, not a simplistic “yes” or “no” referendum. While depenalization removes criminal sanctions for personal use, allowing for warnings or fines, legalization permits regulated use, possession, cultivation, and sale, as seen in Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the US. The challenge lies in ensuring that any reform truly steers individuals away from more harmful substances. The sooner this issue is resolved, the better for the country.

The NADC, with its focus on a balanced, multidisciplinary approach encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and accountability, will hopefully investigate these aspects thoroughly. It should also delve into the intricacies of drug trafficking in the country to propose actionable measures to stem this rising scourge. It’s also crucial that this new agency acts as a truly independent and effective coordinating body, implementing the National Drug Control Master Plan and National Action Plan.

Ultimately, the fight against drugs is not just about seizures and arrests; it’s about safeguarding our future. It requires an uncompromising commitment to root out corruption at every level, to empower our law enforcement agencies with the right resources and integrity, to implement intelligent, evidence-based drug policies, and to secure our borders against the influx of these deadly substances. Only then can we truly disarm this societal time bomb and ensure a safer, healthier future for all. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 27 June 2025