02 Mar 2025

Botswana’s economic gains need to be protected through instruments that support the elimination of illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

This was said by Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting during a national stakeholder’s consultation conference and development of the national drug control master strategy dialogue in Tlokweng on recently.

Ms Mophuting said the development of key documents such as the drug control master strategy and its monitoring and evaluation framework were very important and progressive approach to combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances which were known to reverse global economies.

“We need to answer questions such as what is the profile of our vulnerabilities in fighting drug crimes, this relates to porous borders, burden on the health sector, legal and regulatory framework, law enforcement, prosecution and others,” she said.

Ms Mophuting said one of the pledges that government had made under pillar two of democracy, governance and security was to guarantee a safe and secure nation and consistent with the pledge was the need to ensure laws relating to cybercrime, money laundering, drug and substance abuse were tightened and regularly reviewed.

“I’m pleased to note that in addition to drafting the national drug master plan strategy, work was also in progress to amend and strengthen the Illicit Traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances Act 2018 to allow the country to open businesses and industries in the industrial and medicinal hemp,” she added.

Ms Mophuting said it was a highly regulated industry requiring Botswana laws to maintain a balanced approach that enabled strict controls to dissuade diversion and illicit use. She said Botswana was a signatory to international, continental and regional conventions and protocols calling for human rights based approach to drug control emphasising community treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Ms Mophuting said she was pleased to note that the Drug Enforcement Agency was responding to findings of the 2024 World Drug Report as well as the 2024 recommendations of the African Union report on global coalition continental consultation on drug supply reduction.

“On the local front we are receiving shocking statistics on the use of illicit narcotic drugs, tobacco and alcohol abuse which were contributing to the increased cases of gender based violence, mental health and poor performances by learners. The multifaceted nature and linkages of drug and substance abuse contribute to family problems and requires determined efforts by all,” she said.

For his part DEA director general, Mr Phemelo Ramakorwane said the conference was an opportune moment for Botswana to create a platform for national reflection, dialogue and consensus building on key drug prevention strategies. He said the conference must speak to youth and how the country could achieve a healthy youth.

“We need to reflect on the role of our traditional leaders, their contribution in prevention and reduction initiatives that anchor a cohesive and supportive society, promoting acceptance and discouraging notions on stigma, discrimination and humiliation,” he said. ENDS