Drugs Hidden in Gummies and Vapes: ADSU Warns Mauritius Parents

Mauritius's Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) has issued a public warning after discovering that illegal drugs are increasingly being hidden inside everyday products — including gummy sweets, cookies, and electronic cigarettes — in what authorities describe as a worrying trend designed to evade detection and target young people. **What is the ADSU?** The ADSU is the specialised unit of the Mauritius Police Force responsible for combating drug trafficking and smuggling across the island. It operates nationwide and works alongside customs and border agencies to intercept illegal substances. **How are drugs being concealed?** According to the ADSU, traffickers are embedding controlled substances — most likely cannabis derivatives or synthetic drugs — into products that appear harmless and are commonly consumed by teenagers and young adults. Gummy sweets ("gummies"), baked goods such as cookies, and the liquid cartridges used in vaping devices (e-cigarettes) have all been identified as vehicles for drug concealment. This method is not new globally, but its apparent emergence in Mauritius marks a significant shift in how drugs are being distributed locally. The colourful, sweet-tasting nature of these products makes them particularly attractive — and dangerous — to children and adolescents who may not realise they are consuming a controlled substance. **Why is this happening now?** The rise of vaping culture among young Mauritians, combined with the widespread popularity of imported snack foods, has created new opportunities for traffickers to disguise drugs in plain sight. Products such as gummies and cookies can be easily repackaged and sold through informal channels, social media, or even at school gates without raising immediate suspicion. **What this means for parents, schools and the public** The ADSU's alert is directed primarily at parents, guardians, teachers and school administrators. Authorities are urging adults to: - Be vigilant about unfamiliar food products or sweets their children bring home - Pay attention to unusual packaging, particularly items with no clear labelling or that appear to have been resealed - Monitor the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices, which are already illegal to sell to minors in Mauritius - Report suspicious products or behaviour to the ADSU or local police immediately Schools are also being encouraged to reinforce drug awareness programmes and alert staff to the possibility that drug-laced products could be shared among students on school premises. **Penalties in Mauritius** Possession and trafficking of controlled substances in Mauritius carry severe penalties under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Depending on the quantity involved, offenders can face heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. The concealment of drugs inside consumer products could also attract additional charges related to fraud or endangering public safety. Anyone with information about drug-laced products circulating in their community is urged to contact the ADSU directly or call the police emergency line. Source: Le Defi Media