The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Navin Ramgoolam, announced a total budget of Rs 14.2 billion dedicated to the Law and Order sector, with particular emphasis on the fight against drugs, strengthening police capacities and modernizing surveillance tools.
The head of government stressed that the fight against drugs will be a responsibility shared by all ministries, as well as by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).
Strengthening police capacities
Among the measures announced:
Rs 125 million for the modernization of the police vehicle fleet;
Rs 531 million for the acquisition of equipment intended to strengthen the operational capacities of the police; Reorganization of the Community Police in order to strengthen contact with the population;
Intensification of police and Special Mobile Force (SMF) patrols to combat illegal racing and underground betting.
Fight against drugs: a reinforced strategy
Rs 200 million for the creation of the National Crime Agency (NCA), dedicated to the fight against drugs;
Rs 436 million allocated to ADSU, in collaboration with the MRA and regional partners;
Rs 18 million for the National Drug Agency Committee (NADC);
Dismantling of trafficking networks and structures run by “drug lords”;
Strengthening cooperation between ADSU and financial intelligence services in order to trace flows linked to drug trafficking.
Surveillance and new technologies
Introduction of an early warning system allowing real-time information sharing with the police;
Strengthening surveillance and detection capacities, in particular through the use of drones;
Analyzes and tests carried out in local and international laboratories;
Acquisition of a fast interceptor boat by the MRA to strengthen maritime surveillance.
Prevention and awareness
Launch of national awareness campaigns on the dangers of drugs and related offenses; Each ministry will contribute to the fight against drugs thanks to an allocation of Rs 50 million.
Addiction: a social and health approach
The government considers drug users to be victims requiring appropriate support.
The measures announced include:
A coordinated approach between the NADC and the Ministry of Health for the treatment and reintegration of dependent persons;
The creation of a rehabilitation center in Flacq, in the premises of the old hospital;
The establishment of an NADC hotline accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those affected and their families.
Cannabis
A national consultation is currently being carried out across the country under the auspices of the NADC. Proposals are expected at the end of this exercise.
View the discussion thread.
THE GR MEDIA CHALLENGE
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