It was a pleasure to address the opening of today’s workshop on Education, Awareness, and Whistleblowing Initiatives to Combat Drug-Related Offences, jointly organized by the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) and the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), in the context of our National Day celebrations.
Drug trafficking and financial crime are a national and global threat. Recent operations by law enforcement have seized heroin worth over Rs 31 million at SSR International Airport and nearly 27 kg of suspected cannabis valued at over Rs 32 million, demonstrating our agencies’ determination to protect our borders and dismantle illicit networks.
The Government has strengthened its institutional framework to tackle these challenges:
- the NADC coordinates public bodies to combat trafficking, support victims, and provide rehabilitation;
- the National Drug Control Commission (NDCC) sets policies and oversees the National Drug Control Master Plan,
- the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) handles over 1,500 investigations involving fraud, corruption, and money laundering, and
- the Drug Users Administrative Panel (DUAP) diverts users towards healthcare and rehabilitation, marking a shift from punitive to rehabilitative approaches.
Collaboration is key: the Mauritius Police Force, Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, Mauritius Revenue Authority, Financial Intelligence Unit, Financial Services Commission, Bank of Mauritius, and the DPP’s office must continue to work together to protect our society.
I am also happy to note today’s launch of pedagogical tools for educators, which empowers young people to understand the dangers of drugs and the broader impact of criminal networks.
As we celebrate our National Day under the theme “In Peace, Justice and Liberty,” we us remember that peace requires security, justice requires integrity, and liberty requires institutions we trust.
Combating drugs and financial crime must be our collective responsibility – As one people, as one nation.