National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030 launched to tackle evolving drug challenges

The Republic of Mauritius launched, today in Port Louis, its National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) for 2026–2030, marking a significant step towards tackling the country’s evolving drug challenges through a coordinated and evidence-based approach.

The UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; the Chairperson of the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC), Ms Nadia Peerun; representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office; NADC Board members; and representatives of non-governmental organisations were present.

Developed with technical assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Eastern Africa and the World Health Organization, under the strategic coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the Plan adopts a human rights-based and gender-responsive framework.

It builds on an independent evaluation conducted in November 2023 and addresses key risk factors, including exposure to international trafficking routes, the rapid growth of synthetic drugs, rising drug use among youth, and links to organised crime, as well as public health concerns such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

In her address, Ms Singh highlighted the growing challenges posed by the evolving drug landscape, describing it as a multi-billion-dollar industry increasingly shaped by synthetic drugs and more sophisticated trafficking networks. She underscored that drug use remains a major public health concern, with global reports indicating that hundreds of millions of people are affected. In Mauritius, thousands are impacted, with serious health consequences, including the spread of diseases such as Hepatitis C.

Emphasising the urgency of action, Ms Singh called for the implementation of a robust national Master Plan supported by strong policies and coordinated strategies. Key priorities include enhancing data and information systems, strengthening maritime and regional cooperation, and leveraging innovation and digital tools to address trafficking. She also stressed the importance of prioritising rehabilitation, ensuring that individuals are given a genuine second chance, while protecting communities and sustaining social progress.

For her part, Ms Peerun underscored the significance of the newly launched NDCMP 2026–2030, describing it as a decisive step towards a more coordinated and effective national response to drug-related challenges. She recalled that the Plan was validated by the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in his capacity as Chair of the National Drug Control Commission. The framework is grounded in an independent evaluation and extensive stakeholder consultations, ensuring an evidence-based and inclusive strategy aligned with international best practices, she added.

NADC’s Chairperson highlighted that the Plan sets out a vision of a healthier, safer and more resilient Mauritius, with the overarching goal of reducing drug-related harm through a balanced approach combining public health, social development, security, and justice. She stressed that the strategy moves beyond enforcement alone, promoting integrated efforts in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Backed by a five-billion-rupee investment over five years from the Government, private sector, and development partners, the initiative aims to ensure sustainable impact and measurable results, she said.

NDCMP 2026–2030

The Plan is structured around four core pillars—drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, health and well-being, and coordination—and emphasises prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.

Key priorities include the rollout of a National Drug Prevention Programme targeting schools and communities; the establishment of a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration pathway; enhanced intelligence-sharing and regional cooperation; and improved monitoring and evaluation systems. By shifting from fragmented interventions to a whole-of-government model, authorities aim to ensure a more inclusive and effective national response to the drug situation.

30 April 2026

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Topics: Drugs