Police in Maun recently arrested a 29-year-old man for possession of suspected illegal drugs at Sedie Ward. The incident is reported to have occurred at around 5 am when the police stopped the combi driven by the suspect during a routine stop and search operation.
According to Maun Police Station Commander Superintendent Denis Zilawe, the officers during the interrogation discovered that both the man’s license and driving permit had expired. However, the situation took a more serious turn when the police grew suspicious and decided to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle.
During the search, the police are reported to have discovered three packets of a substance believed to be methcathinone popularly known as CAT. Additionally, they found a green plastic container containing what they suspected to be dagga, commonly known as marijuana.
Superintendent Zilawe said the suspect was subsequently arrested and the suspected illegal substances were also seized. The suspect is currently in custody pending further police investigation. The confiscated materials have been sent to the police laboratory for analysis to confirm if indeed they are illegal drugs or not.
The Station Commander stated that if the results returns positive the suspect in question would be charged with possession of habit-forming drugs.
Methcathinone and marijuana are controlled substances under Botswana law, and possession of these drugs can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to three (3) years or a charge of P20000 or both if the individual in question is found to be a repeat offender.
Zilawe said the police remains committed to maintaining the safety and security of citizens and will continue to conduct routine checks to combat drug-related offenses and uphold the law.
