Maun police last week conducted a drug raid campaign which targeted suspected hotspots in and around Maun, which resulted in the filing of three cases involving marijuana possession.
According to Maun Police station commander superintendent Dennis Zilawe, the first case involved a 48-year-old man who was apprehended in possession of five sachets of a substance suspected to be marijuana in his pockets. A further search of the man’s residence allegedly revealed a two-liter bottle containing marijuana. Additionally, the authorities found meat in the suspect’s fridge, which is alleged to be that of a warthog carcass.
Superintendent Zilawe stated, “The man is in custody as we conduct tests on the substances to determine their nature and confirm whether the meat is indeed from a warthog.”
If the tests confirm the substances as marijuana and the meat as warthog, the man will face charges of illegal possession of marijuana and possession of game meat.
The second case involved a 19-year-old male in Botshabelo, who upon being searched at his house, the police discovered a toolbox allegedly containing a substance suspected to be marijuana.
“The substances are still undergoing testing,” Zilawe noted. “If confirmed as marijuana, the man will face charges of illegal possession of drugs.”
In the third case, a couple of a 27-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman – were allegedly found with three sachets of marijuana hidden in a pillowcase in Sanyedi. The substances were seized for testing, and if confirmed to be marijuana, the couple could be charged with illegal possession of the drug.
Zilawe emphasised that the raid was part of a concerted effort by the Maun Police to crack down on illegal drug possession.
“This operation is the result of hard work and collaboration among various police units,” he said.
Zilawe also highlighted a disturbing trend, noting that young people are frequently found in possession of illegal drugs. He urged the youth to refrain from drug use and unlawful possession, stressing the importance of understanding that marijuana is illegal under Botswana’s constitution.
“Marijuana has significant impacts on the psyche of users and can lead to temporary psychosis and other health issues,” he warned.
He appealed to the public to abstain from using marijuana, citing its potential to impair workplace performance and mental health. He also called for community cooperation in the fight against drugs.
“We urge the public to share any information regarding locations that may be involved in the possession or sale of illegal drugs,” Zilawe said. “The Maun Police are committed to working hard in this fight against drugs.”
