13 Dec 2023

Illicit drug usage has been recognised as a growing problem in Botswana. Botswana Police Service’s Drug Enforcement Agency Senior Assistant Commissioner Mr Christopher Mbulawa told a Mindset change stakeholder engagement workshop in Serowe on Friday, that three main drugs used were Cannabis popularly known as Marijuana, cocaine and Methcathione (CAT) drug, better known as ‘katse’ on the streets.

He said the three were rapidly becoming popular in the country especially among teenagers. He said in 2021, estimated number of illegal drug users worldwide was about 296 million which was worrisome. He said statistics included Botswana as the country was not spared.

He thus implored all who were into drugs to discontinue their use as they could ruin one’s future. He said use of illicit drugs posed risk to pregnant mothers as it could cause complications during or after birth. The officer said drug usage was a concern due to its negative effects on the health, wellbeing, and development of young people.

He said such usage was also associated with a higher risk of developing mental health disorders and related problems later in life.

Mr Mbulawa said illicit drug use was also associated with an increase in other risky behaviours such as early sexual debut, unprotected sex, driving under the influence of drugs, violence and truancy. He said there was a possibility children were indulging in illicit drugs without parents knowing, thus implored parents to monitor their children to ensure they were always on the right track.

He said children might behave well at home, but behave contrary when outdoors.

Mr Mbulawa said drugs were entering the country at a very high rate and Batswana were also into the business of this harmful habit forming substances, caution peddlers to refrain from making a living through killing others.

He said the sad truth was that drugs were also in churches and therefore concerted efforts were needed to devise means to nip the monster in the bud. “People should go all out and to save the youth who are leaders of tomorrow from drugs,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Apostle Dr Oratile Onalepelo said people needed to change the way they perceived things. He said there was need to take a direction that everybody would envy. ENDS