The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) in Mauritius has sounded the alarm over the rising trend of 'gummies', cookies, and e-cigarettes laced with illicit substances. A recent case involving a 17-year-old student hospitalized after consuming a suspect 'gummy' in La Tour-Koenig has heightened concerns. The ADSU's Woman Chief Inspector Santia Sumsurooah emphasized the need for public vigilance, citing several recent cases that have exposed this evolving trend in drug distribution and consumption.
One notable case from last year involved a Mauritian passenger intercepted at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, who had several packets of 'gummies' and suspect e-cigarettes in her luggage. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of cannabis and synthetic drugs in several of the seized products. More recently, operations in the southern and central regions led to the seizure of 'gummies' and cookies laced with illicit substances.
The ADSU warns that the primary danger lies in the appealing appearance of these products, which can easily be mistaken for harmless treats or vaping accessories. Their colors, flavors, and presentation make them attractive to young people and adolescents who may not suspect their true content. The unit is conducting awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to educate students, teachers, and parents about the risks associated with these new forms of consumption.
The National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) is also taking steps to address the issue. Its Chief Executive Officer, Kunal Naik, distinguishes between products containing cannabis brought by travelers from countries where it is legal and those with synthetic drugs added by traffickers. He notes that a first study on the prevalence of these substances in colleges has begun, aiming to better understand the modes of introduction and circulation of these products.
According to Naik, the cases observed so far appear to be isolated incidents, mainly involving personal consumption or a niche market. The NADC is working closely with the ADSU, the Mauritius Revenue Authority, and the Forensic Science Laboratory to monitor the situation through its Early Warning System. The goal is to gather more information on the introduction and circulation of these products in the country.
The authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspect products. Information can be communicated to the ADSU via the hotline 148 or the numbers 203 1505 and 203 1242. The ADSU and NADC stress that collective vigilance is crucial in curbing the circulation of these deceptively packaged substances.
The NADC is also conducting a study on the prevalence of synthetic drugs in colleges, which is currently in the data collection phase. The study aims to assess the exposure of young people and adolescents to these products and inform future prevention strategies.
Key points
- The ADSU and NADC are working together to address the rising trend of 'gummies', cookies, and e-cigarettes laced with illicit substances in Mauritius.
- The authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspect products.
- A study on the prevalence of synthetic drugs in colleges has been launched to better understand the issue and inform prevention strategies.
