103 Minors Arrested for Drug Offences in Mauritius Since 2024

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality Arianne Navarre-Marie disclosed in Parliament on Tuesday, 10 November, that a total of 103 minors have been arrested in Mauritius for alleged drug-related offences since January 2024. The arrests were made at various locations, including homes, streets, secondary schools, and primary schools. The Minister provided the statistics in response to a Private Notice Question lodged by Leader of the Opposition Chetan Baboolall.

The breakdown of the arrest locations revealed that 76 minors were arrested at home or in the street, 23 within secondary schools, and four in primary schools. This information was part of a wider parliamentary update on youth welfare and judicial proceedings across Mauritius and Rodrigues. The update also included statistics on fatalities from violence, residential care orders, institutional complaints, and Children's Court proceedings.

Since January 2025, four children have lost their lives following acts of violence, with three fatalities occurring in Mauritius and one in Rodrigues. Currently, 365 children are placed across 22 residential care institutions in Mauritius, while 44 reside in institutions in Rodrigues. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges facing the country's youth and the efforts being made to address them.

A total of 34 formal complaints have been registered against residential institutions since December 2024. Additionally, 23 children have appeared before the Children's Court since January 2024, resulting in 21 convictions. The Minister's update provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of youth welfare and judicial proceedings in Mauritius.

During the parliamentary session, Opposition Leader Chetan Baboolall pressed the acting Prime Minister regarding planned housing solutions for young people forced to transition out of residential care facilities upon reaching the age of 18. This issue remains a pressing concern, as many young people face uncertainty and challenges when leaving care.

The Minister's disclosure and the Opposition Leader's concerns highlight the complexities surrounding youth welfare and the need for effective solutions. The government's response to these challenges will be crucial in shaping the future of Mauritius' youth. The update provided a platform for discussion and scrutiny of the current policies and strategies in place.

The issue of minors being arrested for drug-related offences and the broader challenges facing the country's youth require sustained attention and action. As the government continues to address these concerns, it is essential to consider the long-term implications and develop comprehensive strategies to support the well-being and development of Mauritius' young people.

Key points

• 103 minors arrested in Mauritius for drug-related offences since January 2024
• Four children have lost their lives following acts of violence since January 2025
• 365 children are currently placed across 22 residential care institutions in Mauritius