New drug busting unit established
Government has launched a new specialised law enforcement unit to help detect the passage of drugs, as well as other contraband into the country
Authorities at the Defence and Security Ministry say the Drug Enforcement Agency will enhance the ongoing war in the fight against drugs.
Permanent Secretary in that Ministry, Botlhale Makgekgenene said the fight against drugs is complex and cuts across various government structures, non-governmental organisations, private sector including business entities. She called on all stakeholders to work with the new unit, saying it would be unrealistic to expect DEA to do all the work in the fight against drugs. Makgekgenene outlined the functions of the new entity including, public education, setting procedures and measures to prohibit activities relating to drugs, law enforcement, which entails investigations and prosecuting offences.
According to Police records, from 2018 to 2022, more than 10 000 suspects were arrested, 7 702 of which were youth. The most prevalent illegal drugs in Botswana are cocaine, CAT and Cannabis.
Police have also raised concern about the rampant use of illicit drugs more especially by young people. Moatlhodi Ntuane from the Botswana Police says the use of drugs by young people leads them to commit other crimes such as gender-based violence. Although a new agency has been formed to deal with illicit drugs, Ntuane said the Narcotics Unit is mandated to investigate matters relating to illicit substances.
Ntuane explained that the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act states that anyone found in possession of less than 60 grams of dagga, will be fined an amount not exceeding P20 000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years or both. He noted that anyone with possession of more than 60 grams of dagga will be fined an amount not exceeding P500 000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both. Botswana Association of Addiction Professionals (BAAP) aims to advance the field of addiction by promoting drug demand reduction particularly through education, prevention and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) in Botswana. An administrator at BAAP, Wadza Dambe said all drugs that are taken in excess have a direct activation of the brain reward system which is involved in the reinforcement of behaviours and the production of memories. Dambe said that substance use disorders are conditions characterised by the persistent use of drugs or alcohol despite the negative consequences.
He said SUDs can range from mild to severe, and can cause significant impairment in an individual’s personal, social and occupational functioning. According to Dambe, SUD concerns include health risks, financial costs, social costs and public health costs.