The dark side of paradise: how synthetic cannabis is turning Mauritius’ youths into zombies
- Users have been found wandering the streets in a stupefied trance after smoking drug that costs less than a dollar a dose
It is better known for its white sand, crystal clear waters and burgeoning financial sector.
But the tiny Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius has a dark side. It is facing an epidemic of synthetic marijuana use among its youth – some as young as eight.
“It cuts across all social classes, various drug groups and all regions,” said Lindsay Thomas, rector of the College du Saint Esprit, a private Catholic school and one of the most prestigious secondary schools on the island. “We have pupils here from difficult financial backgrounds but it’s not those taking the drugs here. In a little country like ours a problem like this resonates across the island.”
After one of his students was found in a zombie-like state wandering the streets naked, Thomas decided to go public on the matter in September.
“Drug taking used to be a problem confined to the ghettos of [the capital] Port Louis and it wasn’t widespread but suddenly it's our kids who are affected,” said Thomas’ assistant Marjorie Munien. “You would expect it in big countries and big cities, but we are shocked because we are not used to this kind of thing.”