ADSU seizes Rs 1.9 billion in drugs in six months, synthetic drugs on the rise
via Le Mauricien5 min read
The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit ADSU reported seizing drugs worth Rs 1.9 billion between January and June 2026, highlighting the increasing prevalence of synthetic drugs and the emergence of "papie A4 simik." During this period, ADSU handled 1,232 drug-related cases and made 1,156 arrests, including 47 women and 16 adolescents aged 16 to 17. The total value of seizures for the first half of 2026 is already significant compared to Rs 3 billion for the entire year of 2025. Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Roland Dabeesing noted that major seizures resulted from enhanced collaboration among police units and regional and international partners, with operations focusing on the airport, port, and postal network. ADSU officials emphasized a new approach for drug users, referencing a 2022 legislative amendment that introduced the Drug Users Administrative Panel in 2023. This mechanism offers treatment and rehabilitation programs for users, not dealers or traffickers, allowing them to avoid prosecution if they comply. Non-compliance leads to the reactivation of their case for legal action. The "papie A4 simik" method involves impregnating A4 paper with synthetic drug solution, cutting it into strips, and selling them for approximately Rs 100 each. One A4 sheet can yield up to 840 strips, generating Rs 80,000 to Rs 100,000 for traffickers. ADSU also stressed that drug addiction is a complex issue beyond just criminal activity, advocating for treatment and rehabilitation. The ADS
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