Students Advised to Stay Away from Drugs

Illicit dealing in drugs in Botswana is increasingly becoming a national concern. This was said by the Director of Crime Intelligence Branch, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Nunu Lesetedi, today (07/02/2023) when addressing students at Livingstone Kolobeng College and Gaborone Senior Secondary school respectively.

Mr Lesetedi said that drugs are trafficked into Botswana from neighbouring countries and end up in the hands of the community and students. The Director said the country is experiencing an escalation of drug use in schools which he believes contributes to anti-social behaviours, crime and disorder in schools throughout Botswana, with urban areas most affected.
He said that the most commonly used drugs in Botswana are dagga, followed by methcathinone (CAT), crack, cocaine (rock) and heroine.

Furthermore, the Director said that to fight drug abuse, the Government has passed the Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Act of 2018 to intensify investigations and impose harsher penalties for drug dealers and those who will be found in possession of them. He said Botswana Police Service (BPS) continue collaborating with stakeholders on public awareness campaigns targeting schools, thus making them a free drug environment.

He concluded by warning students to refrain from drugs as they can ruin their lives in many ways, such as having criminal records, poor academic performance, mental problems and expulsion from school, amongst others.

In his remarks, Livingstone Kolobeng College Vice Principal Dr. Frederick J. Ramsay thanked BPS for taking time to educate their students on illicit drugs and, more importantly, on prevention. He said they are excited to continue the partnership to raise awareness amongst all students on the danger of drugs, crime and violence and their impact on individuals, families and society.

For her part Gaborone Senior Secondary School Head, Ms Lesedi Tshabangu acknowledged that like other schools, GSS is also experiencing drug use as evidenced by anti-social behaviours by some students. She said it was important to work together with the police to curb illicit dealing drugs.

The workshops were attended by officials from BPS, BURS, teaching staff and students.