Drug use continues to skyrocket

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEK More than N$500 000 worth of drugs were seized and 143 suspects were arrested for drug-related offences last month. Meanwhile, during the first weekend of May, drugs to the value of N$853 750 were confiscated, while 32 suspects were arrested for possession and/or dealing in drugs throughout the country.Last weekend, eight people were arrested in the Erongo, Khomas and //Karas regions for possession and/or dealing in drugs such as crack cocaine, mandrax and cannabis with a combined value of N$337 050.“Our observation is that after the restriction of alcohol, we have rising drug use in society. “The public is hereby reminded that dealing in drugs is illegal and therefore the police will act against anyone found dealing and being in possession of drugs,” said police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi. Suspects arrestedAccording to the police, in April the suspects included 131 Namibians, five Congolese, two Angolans, two Somalians, a Tanzanian, a Rwandese and a Jamaican national. Drugs to the total value of N$502 120 were seized. Information provided indicated that during the first weekend of this month, 24 620 kilograms of cannabis to the value of N$246 200 was seized, while 116 grams of cannabis to the value of N$1 160 was confiscated. A total of 863 mandrax tablets valued at N$103 560, 293 grams of cocaine powder valued at N$146 500 and 47 units of crack cocaine valued at N$4 700 were also seized. Shikwambi urged law-abiding citizens to report their suspicion of drug-related matters to the police. Police on high alertShe told Namibian Sun that police have intensified their visibility due the coronavirus regulations. She added that Operation Namib Desert has not ceased its operations. “So many successes have been recorded. Law-abiding citizens are also assisting in informing the police about criminal activities in their areas.”Shikwambi said it is unclear where the drugs are coming from, as the country's borders remain closed. “History has however shown us that truck drivers have ferried drugs into the country.”While stressing that drug use is becoming a serious problem, especially with the restrictions on alcohol, Shikwambi warned members of the public to refrain from illegal activities.

Drug use continues to skyrocket

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-11

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Drug use continues to skyrocket

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-11

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