Mauritius Records 1,560 Drug Cases and Rs 1.3bn in Seizures in 2026

Mauritius is on track for another high-volume year in drug enforcement, with 1,560 drug-related cases registered by police between January 1 and July 8, 2026 — figures disclosed by the Prime Minister during a sitting of the National Assembly. The total estimated street value of drugs seized during that period stands at approximately Rs 1.3 billion (roughly USD 28 million), underlining the scale of the trafficking challenge facing the island nation. **What the numbers mean** It is important to note that the 1,560 figure refers to the number of recorded cases — not the total number of individual seizure operations, which may be higher. Official data tracks cases opened and the value of substances intercepted, rather than providing a consolidated count of every enforcement action. **Customs seizures: what was found** Data from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) — the government body responsible for tax collection and border control, including customs — covers seizures made up to June 2026. Its Customs division intercepted a range of controlled substances across the first half of the year: - **January:** 41.25 kg of cannabis, 19.3 kg of hashish, and more than 23.3 kg of synthetic drugs - **June:** 66.24 kg of cannabis among other substances Seizures of cocaine, heroin, and additional synthetic drugs were also recorded during the period, though a full month-by-month breakdown was not provided in the official data released. **ADSU operation nets Rs 55 million in drugs** In July, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) — the specialist police squad dedicated to narcotics enforcement — carried out an operation resulting in the seizure of drugs estimated at Rs 55 million and the arrest of five suspects. The ADSU operates under the Mauritius Police Force and leads major anti-trafficking investigations across the island. **Putting it in context** For comparison, Mauritius recorded 4,913 drug cases across the full year of 2025. If the current 2026 pace continues, the island could surpass that total before the year is out — though enforcement intensity and reporting practices can influence case counts. Mauritius has long struggled with drug trafficking, particularly of heroin and synthetic substances, given its position as an Indian Ocean transit hub. Authorities have repeatedly identified porous maritime borders and postal channels as key vulnerabilities. **What this means** For residents, the figures reinforce that drug-related crime remains a top public safety concern. For policymakers, the Rs 1.3 billion seizure value suggests significant trafficking operations are being disrupted — but also that demand and supply networks remain active. Continued investment in ADSU capacity, customs technology, and cross-border cooperation will be central to any long-term strategy. Source: ION News