The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) in Mauritius has reported a substantial increase in drug seizures from 2024 to June 2026. According to reports, the ADSU's role had diminished since 2021, with multiple specialized units created to handle anti-drug operations. However, after a change in government in November 2024, the ADSU was repositioned at the center of the national anti-drug strategy, leading to a significant increase in seizures. The ADSU's operations have resulted in a notable increase in the value of seized drugs.
Between 2022 and 2023, recorded drug offenses decreased by 6.6%, from 4,502 to 4,205 cases. The value of seized drugs remained relatively stable, around Rs 1.2 billion. However, 2024 saw a reversal of this trend, with 4,373 cases recorded and a value of seized drugs reaching Rs 1.56 billion. In 2025, the number of offenses jumped to 4,913, a 12.3% increase, with the value of seized drugs soaring to Rs 9.33 billion. This significant increase in seizures is attributed to the ADSU's recentred operations.
The types of drugs seized have also shown a notable shift. Cannabis remains the most frequently seized substance, accounting for 43% of offenses in 2022, 38.6% in 2023, 40.9% in 2024, and 41.9% in 2025. Synthetic drugs have become the second most seized substance, representing 27.6% of cases in 2024 and 28.1% in 2025. Conversely, heroin's share has decreased from 30% of offenses in 2022 to 10.2% in 2025. The ADSU's focus on high-value targets has contributed to the increase in seized drug values.
In terms of value, cocaine has become the most lucrative drug seized. A record seizure of 433 kilograms of cocaine in 2025 alone was valued at over Rs 6.6 billion. Despite the significant increase in seizures, the ADSU still faces challenges in disrupting the drug trafficking networks operating in the region. The unit's efforts have resulted in a substantial increase in the value of seized drugs, with a focus on high-priority targets.
From January to June 2026, the ADSU recorded 1,560 offenses, with a value of seized drugs estimated at Rs 1.3 billion. This represents a significant proportion of the total seizures recorded in previous years. The ADSU's recent successes can be attributed to its recentred operations and improved intelligence gathering. The unit's efforts have contributed to a notable increase in the value of seized drugs.
The ADSU's commander, Ashik Jagai, has played a key role in the unit's recent successes. The unit's operations have been supported by improved intelligence gathering and enhanced collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. The ADSU's focus on disrupting high-value drug trafficking networks has contributed to the significant increase in seized drug values.
The increase in drug seizures in Mauritius can be attributed to the ADSU's recentred operations and improved intelligence gathering. The unit's efforts have resulted in a substantial increase in the value of seized drugs, with a focus on high-priority targets. The ADSU's recent successes demonstrate its commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
Key points
- The ADSU's recentred operations have led to a significant increase in drug seizures in Mauritius, with the value of seized drugs reaching Rs 9.33 billion in 2025.
