Regional Collaboration: Mauritius and Reunion to Improve Security and Combat Illicit Drug Trafficking

The ninth Mauritius-Reunion Island Security Contact Group, spanning over two days, opened this morning at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis, in presence of the Attorney General, Mr Gavin Glover and the Prefect of Reunion Island, Mr Patrice Latron. The French Ambassador to Mauritius, Mr Alexis Loyer, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Rampersad Sooroojebally and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun, were also present on the occasion.

The renewal of the Technical Arrangement on the fight against the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, was signed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Rampersad Sooroojebally and the Prefect of Reunion Island, Mr Patrice Latron.

In his keynote address, Attorney General Glover highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Mauritius and Reunion Island on critical security matters, stating that their geographic proximity binds them to the same regional threats and challenges. He pointed out that the renewal of the Technical Arrangement marks the continuation of a partnership initiated 20 years ago, anchoring a framework that saw the creation of the Mauritius-Reunion Island Security Contact Group in March 2011.

Mr Gavin Glover remarked that modern legal instruments now facilitate the direct and expedited processing of mutual requests. This synergy is uniquely advantaged by a common legal foundation, given that both islands share the Civil Code of 1804 and the Penal Code of 1838, anchored in the Napoleonic Penal Code, he added.

Warning that trafficking networks view Mauritius and Reunion Island as a single territory, he underpinned the need for a unified, highly coordinated response. "We must treat the maritime space between our two islands as one," he stated, adding that "nothing discourages a trafficker like a swift and seamless justice system." To achieve this, the Attorney General called for deepened mutual trust, 24/7 designated contact points, controlled deliveries, and genuine joint investigations.

As for the Prefect of Reunion Island, Mr Patrice Latron, he underlined that regional drug trafficking, driven by rapidly evolving criminal networks, has become a shared security crisis for both islands, making the fight against this illicit trade the cornerstone of regional cooperation. He observed that drug trafficking is no longer just a law enforcement issue but rather a public safety threat that triggers violence and leaves a trail of devastating health and social consequences for families.

According to him, to counter the increasingly sophisticated tactics of these networks, which constantly adapt routes, diversify illicit products, and exploit cross-border legal loopholes, defence and enforcement agencies must operate with equal agility. Emphasising that a transnational threat cannot be solved by a single territory alone, Mr Latron stated that the joint strategy must focus on expanding intelligence sharing, mapping operations, conducting joint staff training, and synchronising field services.

In a statement, Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun remarked that originally established in 2011, this contact group marks a significant milestone with the renewal of the technical arrangement. She expressed satisfaction by the group's sustained collaboration, especially as we pivot to face modern challenges like drug trafficking, homeland security threats, and money laundering. She welcomed the Financial Crimes Commission’s official adherence to the Contact Group this year whilst adding that the Contact Group expands its collaborative focus on combating cybercrime as well.

30 September 2026

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Topics: Drugs, Maritime, Bilateral cooperation