FCC-NADC collaborate to raise awareness on drug trafficking and financial crimes

A half-day workshop on ‘Education, Awareness, and Whistleblowing Initiatives to Combat Drug-Related Offences’, jointly organised by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) and the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC), in the context of the National Day 2026 celebrations, was launched, this morning in Moka, by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool.In his keynote address, President Gokhool emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking and financial crimes is a national endeavour that calls for unity, vigilance and responsibility from all sectors of the society. He expressed conviction that the workshop will contribute to strengthening collaboration, enhancing awareness and reinforcing our collective commitment to combating financial crimes and drug-related offences. Speaking about the drug issue and the growing and dangerous nexus between drug trafficking and financial crime, he cautioned that these threats endanger the very fabric of democratic society. They undermine institutions, fuel corruption, violence and criminal activities, devastate lives, and cause immense suffering for families, he said.Recalling that tackling the drug issue is one of Government’s major priorities, the President assured that protecting youngsters from the dangers of drugs is both a public health priority and a national responsibility. According to him, public awareness and engagement, ethical leadership and community vigilance are essential components of an effective national response.As for the Acting Director-General of the FCC, Mr Titrudeo Dawoodarry, he renewed FCC’s commitment to supporting national efforts to tackle the drug scourge and its resolve to attack the suppliers and the financial systems that sustain them, as well as target the crimes and the money behind them. He remarked that one of the most effective strategies to fight drugs comprise prevention, education, and sensitisation. He made a call for action to the public to report to the FCC any suspicion of criminal activities, which he reassured will be handled with utmost confidentiality. One piece of information can save lives, he observed, stressing that collective action is needed to liberate the community from the grip of criminal networks. As for the Chief Executive Officer of NADC, Dr Fayzal Sulliman, he raised concerns about the rapidly evolving drug landscape in Mauritius, emphasising that it necessitates a coordinated response that combines enforcement, public health, prevention, community engagement, and financial intelligence. He emphasised that the most sustainable solution lies in prevention, particularly among young people. By engaging educators, students, civil society organisations and public institutions, he noted, society is investing in awareness, strong values and informed decision-making on the dangers of drugs and the wider consequences of illegal activities. “When youths are informed and empowered, they become the strongest lines of defense against drugs and crimes”, he affirmed. The workshop The workshop brought together 150 participants from Government agencies, law enforcement bodies, regulatory institutions, civil society organisations, the education sector and students. It aimed to raise awareness on financial crimes and drug-related offences, promote integrity and ethics among youths, and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders, with a proposal to set up a committee to coordinate education, awareness and reporting initiatives.

10 March 2026

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Topics: Youth, Drugs