Drugs a rising problem in rural areas, schools

An escalating drug issue in rural areas has sparked intense criticism from local residents and calls for urgent action.During a question-and-answer session held after the delivery of the Erongo state of the region address last week, local authority leaders raised concerns plaguing their communities to governor Neville Andre.Omaruru constituency councillor Ernst Wetha said drugs are a rising concern on rural farms.“On these rural farms, drugs are now being sold in those surrounding areas. What has happened is that poor farmers, who are raising small livestock, are having their farm workers steal from them to trade for drugs or alcohol, or to sell them to buy drugs.”Wetha also raised concerns around policing in the area.“These people are suffering, but yet we have police officers patrolling and abusing government vehicles, apparently to go and look for criminals. But they are the real criminals in this fight. Police officers are criminals in police uniforms," he claimed.Act against crimesWetha further criticised a perceived lack of action against drug dealers."They know the &#039;drug lords&#039; but they are not doing anything. So, there is no future in Omaruru. Drugs have been sold. Now I’m asking my question: Where do these young people get access to drugs? A boy in grade three, selling drugs in the toilet to the other kids. Who is he getting drugs from?”He warned that drugs jeopardise the future of Namibian youth.Police, community effortAndre acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.“I was at one of the schools with the police, not to pay a courtesy visit to the schools, but to go and look for drugs in schools. And we found different types of drugs. From the ages of 10, you find drugs, like weed and mandrax," he said.He said he also recognised the efforts of the police but admitted there are areas for improvement.“I agree and concur with you that drugs are a challenge. And for sure, there are also some of the individuals that are implicated, and we are working together with the police authority to get to the bottom of this. As I said, our collaboration and communication and relationship with the police authority is very, very sound and safe.”He said the local police commissioner "is doing a very great job and is trying his level best to really fight the drug issues in the region. They have captured quite a number of drug lords through various drug busts. However, it is something that also needs all our support and collaboration.”The governor also emphasised the role of the community in tackling the drug problem.“Many times we know in our communities which house sells drugs, but we do not work together with the police. Those who are truthful police officers will not know information if they don’t get it from the community. That is why the police, under the leadership of Commissioner Kupembona, encourage community structures and policy community structures. This helps also to get more information and intelligence to the police.”precious@erongo.com.na

Drugs a rising problem in rural areas, schools

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-02

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Drugs a rising problem in rural areas, schools

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-02

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