Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has seized a staggering N$9 074 362.40 worth of drugs during the period of 1-31 December 2023.
The operation led to the arrest of 112 individuals, including 109 Namibians, one Burundian, one Motswana and one Zambian nationals.
According to NamPol Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the seized substances include 885 830.24kg of cannabis, 762 full tablets of Mandrax, 196.2 units of crack cocaine, and 210 grams of Methcathonine(cat).
Expressing concern over the impact of illicit substances on the youth, Shikwambi appealed to the public for assistance in curbing these crimes.
“Illegal substances are threatening the future of many young Namibians,” she said.
Shikwambi emphasised the threat these illegal substances pose to the future of many young Namibians, urging the public to collaborate with the police in curbing drug-related crimes.
One notable arrest is that of 44-year-old South African Michael Mpangala, accused of smuggling 10 kilogrammes of cocaine into Namibia from Brazil.
It was reported that Mpangala was apprehended at Hosea Kutako International Airport on 31 December 2023. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is over R5 million, and Mpangala is set to apply for bail on 16 January.
Namibia, as reported at the 64th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotics and Drugs in 2021, has witnessed a surge in illicit drug usage, primarily involving cannabis. The country has become a target for drug smugglers, transforming it into both a transit and consumer nation.
In August last year drug enforcement officials in both Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, confiscated drugs valued at N$1.5 million. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of seven Namibian nationals.
Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona highlighted the trend of minors being exploited in drug distribution and young adults turning to drug dealing for income.
Kupembona emphasised the need for public involvement in reporting drug-related activities and acknowledged the complexity of transportation methods used by traffickers, including air, land and possibly sea routes.
