Ramgoolam: Drug Baron Arrests Imminent as Curfew Holds
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam says police investigations into drug traffickers behind Mauritius unrest have advanced significantly, with arrests expected soon.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said on Thursday afternoon that the previous night was significantly calmer than preceding days, crediting those who respected the curfew order for helping restore stability across the island.
However, he confirmed that police and the Special Mobile Force (SMF) β a paramilitary unit of the Mauritius Police Force β had to intervene in around ten localities where small groups attempted to reignite disorder. Those efforts were successfully contained.
Ramgoolam reiterated a firm warning to anyone involved in the violence: rioters will be prosecuted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), a law that carries severe penalties and is typically reserved for the most serious threats to public order. The use of this legislation signals how seriously the government is treating the disturbances.
On the question of who is behind the unrest, the Prime Minister pointed squarely at drug traffickers. He stated that police investigations into the drug barons believed to be at the origin of the tensions have advanced considerably, and that arrests are expected to follow. Speaking partly in Mauritian Creole, he added: "There will be no respite for drug dealers β there is no place left where they can hide."
The riots, which erupted in several parts of Mauritius in recent days, have been linked by authorities to organised crime networks and drug trafficking interests. The government has imposed a curfew to restore order, and dozens of people have already been arrested during police operations.
What this means: If police move forward with arrests of high-level drug traffickers, it would mark a significant escalation in Mauritius's long-running battle against organised drug crime. Prosecutions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, rather than standard criminal law, would also set a legal precedent for how the state handles riot-related offences linked to criminal networks. For residents, businesses, and the tourism sector β a pillar of the Mauritian economy β a swift resolution to the unrest and credible accountability for its organisers will be critical to restoring confidence.
Source: ION News
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Mauritius?β
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) is a Mauritian law that allows for the prosecution of individuals involved in acts deemed to threaten public order or national security. It carries heavier penalties than standard criminal charges and is being invoked by Prime Minister Ramgoolam against those who participated in the recent riots.
What is the SMF and what role is it playing in the Mauritius unrest?β
The Special Mobile Force (SMF) is a paramilitary unit within the Mauritius Police Force, trained for crowd control and civil disorder situations. It has been deployed alongside regular police to contain disturbances in approximately ten localities during the ongoing curfew.
Are drug barons really behind the Mauritius riots?β
Mauritian authorities, including Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, have publicly stated that drug traffickers are believed to be at the origin of the current unrest. Police investigations are said to be well advanced, and arrests of suspected drug barons are expected imminently, though no names have been officially confirmed yet.
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