Rodrigues Mason Arrested for Growing Cannabis at Home
A 43-year-old man in Citron Donis, Rodrigues, was arrested after police found cannabis plants, seedlings and seeds at his home.
Police anti-drug officers arrested a 43-year-old mason in Rodrigues on Monday 2 November after discovering cannabis being cultivated at his home in Citron Donis, a locality in the island territory of Rodrigues, which lies around 650 kilometres northeast of mainland Mauritius.
The raid was carried out at approximately 10:15 in the morning by officers from the ADSU, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, which is the specialised branch of the Mauritius Police Force responsible for tackling drug offences across the country, including in Rodrigues.
During the search of the property, officers seized a piece of paper containing 0.72 grams of cannabis, six cannabis seedlings, seven seeds, and a cannabis plant standing approximately 70 centimetres tall. The combination of possession and active cultivation is significant under Mauritian law, as it typically attracts more serious charges than simple possession alone.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and placed in police custody. Investigators are continuing to build the case, and further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Rodrigues, though an autonomous region with its own Regional Assembly and Commissioner, falls under the jurisdiction of Mauritian national law when it comes to drug offences. The ADSU operates across both islands and has been active in targeting drug cultivation in rural and semi-rural areas, where growing small numbers of cannabis plants has been a recurring issue.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Act of Mauritius, the cultivation of cannabis carries the potential for significant custodial sentences, with penalties varying depending on the quantity involved and whether the offence is treated as cultivation for personal use or for supply. Even small-scale growing operations can lead to prosecution, as the law does not draw a formal distinction based on the number of plants involved.
What this means: This case is a reminder that anti-drug enforcement extends to Rodrigues as actively as it does to mainland Mauritius. Residents of the island should be aware that ADSU officers conduct operations there regularly, and that drug cultivation offences, even involving a single plant, are treated seriously under national law and can result in arrest and detention.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADSU in Mauritius?β
The ADSU, or Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, is a specialised division of the Mauritius Police Force tasked with investigating and combating drug trafficking, cultivation and smuggling. It operates across Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Is cannabis cultivation illegal in Rodrigues?β
Yes. Rodrigues is an autonomous region of Mauritius but is subject to Mauritian national law, including the Dangerous Drugs Act, which makes the cultivation, possession and supply of cannabis illegal and punishable by imprisonment.
What penalties does cannabis cultivation carry in Mauritius?β
Under the Dangerous Drugs Act of Mauritius, cannabis cultivation can result in significant prison sentences. The severity of the penalty depends on the quantity involved and the circumstances, but even small-scale growing can lead to prosecution and detention.
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