Drugs reaching schoolchildren, community concerned

Concerns about drug abuse among schoolchildren, illegal sales in local shops and allegations against police officers dominated parts of a farmers’ and community engagement meeting in Omaruru last week.

Community representatives told Erongo Regional Police Commander Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona that drugs and alcohol are being sold openly in some areas, with schoolchildren reportedly accessing substances through small retail outlets (kiosks).

One speaker said children smoke near schools and claimed that illegal substances are sold in so-called “tuck shops” in some areas.

Residents also raised fears that community members are reluctant to report crime because they are afraid of being labelled.

Kupembona acknowledged the scale of the drug problem, linking it to broader social challenges.

He said Erongo police confiscated drugs valued at about N$2.5 million over a four-month period from October and said the situation poses a serious concern.

“If our community are not prepared to change… nothing will happen,” he told the meeting, calling on parents and residents to take responsibility alongside law enforcement.

Restore trust

The commander said drugs find their way into schools through residential networks and stressed the need for stronger community policing and anonymous reporting systems. He encouraged residents to make use of suggestion boxes and direct contact channels to report suspected dealers without fear of exposure.

During the discussion, allegations also surfaced that a police officer had allegedly been seen confiscating drugs and later selling them in town.

Community members said such perceptions damage trust and discourage people from cooperating with police investigations.

Kupembona acknowledged that misconduct can occur within any large organisation but insisted that officers caught breaking the law would face criminal charges. He urged residents to provide evidence immediately if they suspected wrongdoing so that internal investigations could be launched.

Collective action

The issue of communication between police and communities also emerged, with some participants suggesting that successful arrests and prosecutions should be publicised to counter perceptions that no action is taken.

Speakers said regular updates on drug arrests could help restore public confidence and deter crime.

Police said monitoring of shops suspected of selling illegal substances had been stepped up and warned that businesses operating without the necessary licences would face prosecution.

Kupembona said tackling drug abuse among youth requires more than policing alone, adding that authorities are working with health officials to educate communities about the risks of substance use.

“Where are these children getting these drugs?” Kupembona asked, pointing to the need for collective action to prevent further escalation.