Mauritius and La Réunion have launched a new phase of cooperation to combat trafficking, with a focus on intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated action. The ninth Contact Group on Security, held at the Caudan Arts Centre, brought together Mauritian and French authorities to discuss ways to tackle transnational crime. The meeting resulted in the renewal of a technical arrangement on drug and psychotropic substance trafficking.
The cooperation aims to bridge the gap between intelligence gathering, investigations, and justice, as traffickers often consider Mauritius and La Réunion as a single entity. Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover emphasized the need for a unified response, proposing permanent points of contact, immediate exchanges of information, and joint investigations. He cited a successful interception of over 200 kilograms of narcotics, including 100 kilograms of heroin, as an example of effective cooperation.
The maritime domain is a key area of focus, with Mauritius developing its coastal surveillance and France providing naval and air assets in La Réunion. The goal is to enable seamless communication between these capabilities to combat not only trafficking but also illegal fishing and hazardous waste transport. The integration of the Financial Crimes Commission into the Contact Group will also facilitate the tracking of financial flows.
The creation of the National Crime Agency (NCA) is a significant development in this effort. Glover assured that the NCA will not reduce the powers of the Commissioner of Police (CP) but rather complement existing structures to combat organized crime, cybercrime, and financial crime. The NCA's establishment is a key aspect of the cooperation, with Glover confirming that the bill will be presented to Parliament.
The justice system will play a crucial role in this cooperation, with existing mutual assistance instruments to be used for more direct, rapid, and dematerialized exchanges. La Réunion's Prefect, Patrice Latron, stressed the need for an evolving response to traffickers' changing routes, products, and methods. Glover emphasized the importance of concrete decisions, designated officials, and deadlines.
Glover addressed concerns about the NCA's impact on the CP's role, stating that the CP has expressed satisfaction with the proposed arrangement. He also acknowledged that consultations are ongoing, and amendments may be made before the bill's passage. The Attorney General is committed to making the NCA a reality, despite some reservations.
The cooperation between Mauritius and La Réunion also extends to other areas, including the Chagos issue, where Glover prefers a quiet diplomatic approach. The two-day meeting has laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation, with a focus on practical actions and results.
Key points
- - Mauritius and La Réunion have strengthened cooperation to combat trafficking - The National Crime Agency (NCA) will be established to complement existing structures - Intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated action are key aspects of the cooperation
