Dangerous Drugs

• Dangerous Drugs

  Any plant or part thereof or substance listed in Schedule I , II or III of the Dangerous Drugs Act
• List of Dangerous Drugs

  • Cannabis
  • Heroin and other opiates
  • Synthetic Drugs
  • Prescription Drug Abuse
  • Cocaine
  • Subutex
• The presence of Dangerous Drugs within the Mauritian land has taken an astronomical turn with 1950 officially registered cases involving Dangerous Drugs for the last 10 years, 2013-2023

  
• Mauritius has experienced a serious drug use and trafficking problem since the 1980's due to its strategic geographical location, extensive air network, major seaport, and important tourist destination
• Injecting heroin use has translated in a concentrated HIV epidemic and high prevalence of hepatitis C among this vulnerable population in Mauritius
• Mauritius has recently seen a rise in synthetic drugs, with 44% of drug abuse cases in 2017 related to new psychoactive substances (NPS)

  
• Mauritius is ranked number one in the synthetic drug trade in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and in the top 10 on the African continent
• Substance abuse in Mauritius dates back to the 1970s when heroin was first introduced on the island, and the problem has escalated to alarming levels since then
• The government of Mauritius has introduced various initiatives and programmes to curb drug abuse, including harm-reduction strategies, needle and syringe exchange programmes, opioid substitution treatment and drug awareness programmes
• Former attorney-general and justice minister Rama Valayden stated that 'there is no way to win the fight against synthetic drugs' as drug producers are replacing compounds faster than law enforcement can detect them
• Classification of Drugs

  • Legal (Prescription and Over-the-Counter)
  • Controlled Substances
  • Illegal Drugs
• Pharmacological Effect of Drugs

  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Hallucinogens
  • Opioids
  • Cannabinoids
• Therapeutic Use of Drugs

  • Analgesics
  • Antibiotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Antivirals
  • Hypnotics
  • Stimulants
• Mechanism of Action of Drugs

  • Receptor agonists
  • Receptor antagonists
  • Enzyme inhibitors
• Source of Drugs

  • Natural
  • Synthetic
  • Semi-synthetic
• Marijuana (Cannabis)


  Its classification as a "dangerous drug" involves debates on its medicinal benefits, potential for abuse, and overall societal impact
• Many countries and states have legalised marijuana for medicinal purposes due to its potential therapeutic benefits
• Some regions have legalised marijuana for recreational use, with supporters arguing that responsible use poses minimal risks and can generate tax revenue
• Critics of marijuana often highlight its potential for abuse, especially when consumed in large quantities, and its association with negative cognitive and mental health effects
• There has been a historical debate about whether marijuana serves as a "gateway drug" to the use of other, more dangerous substances
• Perspectives on marijuana

  • Medicinal Use
  • Recreational Use and Legalisation
  • Potential for Abuse
  • Gateway Drug Debate
  • Legal Status and Criminalization
• Medicinal Use


  Many countries and states have legalised marijuana for medicinal purposes due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Components of marijuana, such as cannabinoids like CBD and THC, have been studied for their potential in managing pain, nausea, and other medical conditions.
• Recreational Use and Legalisation

  Some regions have legalised marijuana for recreational use. Supporters argue that responsible use poses minimal risks and that legalisation can generate tax revenue and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.
• Potential for Abuse


  Critics of marijuana often highlight its potential for abuse, especially when consumed in large quantities. Long-term, heavy use can be associated with negative cognitive and mental health effects, particularly in adolescents.
• Gateway Drug Debate


  There has been a historical debate about whether marijuana serves as a gateway drug, meaning its use may lead to the use of more potent and harmful substances. Research on this topic has produced mixed results, and many factors contribute to substance abuse patterns.
• Legal Status and Criminalization

  In many places, marijuana remains illegal, and its possession, distribution, or cultivation can lead to criminal charges. Advocates for continued criminalization often emphasise concerns about public health, safety, and potential negative societal impacts.
• Mauritius has a pervasive heroin market. Traffickers, mostly from South Africa, import large quantities of the drug from Madagascar and distribute it using planes, fast boats and commercial ships. The expansion of the trade is a major concern, as the police have reportedly failed to stop these activities in some areas and corruption within law enforcement has been alleged.
• The cocaine market in Mauritius is not as prevalent as the heroin one and is mainly consumed by expats and social elites. Trafficking in cocaine connects West African import locations with East Asian and Middle Eastern markets by sea, with large seizures occurring every few months.

  
• Cannabis consumption has a long history in Mauritius and remains illegal, with severe punishment for those caught using it. However, there has been a growing push for its legalisation with the ongoing debate regarding its medical aspects as well as its cultural significance in particular communities.
• Cannabis seizures mostly involve locally grown products, but there appears to be a shift, with Mauritius now becoming an importation market. The import of cannabis on the Mauritius-Reunion axis continues, with skippers allegedly buying cannabis from neighbouring Reunion Island or even going to Madagascar to pick up the drug.
• The use of synthetic drugs in Mauritius is also a growing problem – due, in part, to their low price – especially among lower income and middle class groups. These drugs are primarily trafficked into the country as well as being produced locally to increase profits. There are reports pertaining to the use of toxic ingredients by local producers, resulting in an increased health risk for consumers.
• Methamphetamines are a cheaper alternative to heroin and there has been an increased consumption observed in Mauritius. The use of synthetic cannabis is also a growing concern.
• Each year since 2015, the number of people arrested in relation to synthetic drugs in Mauritius has doubled.

  
• Synthetic drugs present a new era for the drug market in Mauritius. The low price and availability of the ingredients coupled with greater reach to buyers through advanced technology enable traffickers to remain a step ahead of law enforcement. Unless this pattern changes, traffickers will have the upper hand and synthetic drugs could become much more prevalent on the island.
• Producers of synthetic drugs are replacing compounds in the drug faster than police can detect them and the current turn of events pushes many to question whether the rising issue of synthetic drugs in Mauritius will have any improvement at all.
• Methadone


  A medicine used to treat heroin dependence. It is taken daily to relieve heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for heroin. The aim of methadone maintenance treatment is to help you reduce your illicit drug use.

  
• Methadone


  • It is a medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
  • It is a long-acting full opioid agonist
  • It is a schedule controlled medication

  
• Uses of Methadone

  • Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
  • Pain Management
• Methadone in OUD Treatment

  1. Reduces Cravings

  2. Prevents Withdrawal Symptoms

  3. Long-Term Maintenance

  
• Methadone in Pain Management


  • Effective for Chronic Pain
  • Effective for Cancer Pain
  • Effective for Neuropathic Pain