Man Arrested With Synthetic Cannabis and Rs 11,350 Cash in Vacoas

Anti-drug police in Mauritius arrested a 35-year-old self-employed man on Sunday after discovering synthetic drugs and cash at his home in Glen Park, a residential area in the Vacoas district of central Mauritius.

Officers from the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU), a specialised branch of the Mauritius Police Force responsible for narcotics investigations, carried out a search of the property at around 5:15 p.m. on 25 October 2026.

During the search, officers found a cylindrical plastic container with a lid concealing 28 paper strips containing synthetic cannabinoids. A sum of Rs 11,350 in cash was also seized at the scene.

The suspect was taken into police custody following the discovery. An investigation is ongoing.

Synthetic cannabinoids, sometimes referred to as synthetic cannabis or by street names such as "spice," are chemically manufactured substances designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. They are not derived from the cannabis plant itself and are often considered more unpredictable and dangerous than natural cannabis. In Mauritius, synthetic cannabinoids are classified as controlled substances under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

What this means: The seizure is part of a broader pattern of ADSU operations targeting synthetic drug distribution across Mauritius. Unlike plant-based drugs, synthetic cannabinoids can be difficult to detect and are often packaged discreetly, as seen here with paper strips inside a plastic container. The presence of cash alongside the drugs is typically treated by investigators as a potential indicator of drug dealing rather than personal use, though charges have not yet been confirmed in this case. Residents in Vacoas and surrounding areas have seen several drug-related arrests in recent months as authorities intensify enforcement efforts in central Mauritius.

Source: ION News