For years marijuana or dagga, popularly known as sekanka in street lingo, has been the most used drug in Botswana.

However, authorities have revealed that heroin has found its way into the country and is quickly taking over. It is believed to be stronger and more effective than other types, something that had led to its demand rising in Botswana.

According to the newly established Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the drug was introduced into the market post-COVID-19 and the agency is concerned by its invasion into the country as it poses a threat to people’s health, especially the youth and also hurts the country’s economy.

DEA coordinator, Pearl Ramokoka said as the agency, they are planning to intensify public education since they have established that information dissemination on drugs is not enough. She stated that drug use in Botswana remains a concern as seen by police arrests as a way of sending a clear message to potential dealers.

In the past, police revealed that their efforts to arrest suppliers are nerve-wracking as they continue to partner with foreigners from neighbouring countries to smuggle drugs into the country through ungazetted entries.

Ramokoka stated that this drug is said to have found its way into schools expressing a concern that it is highly likely to adversely affect learners’ academic performance. She called for everyone’s involvement towards eliminating drug use starting at the family level.

The coordinator feared reports of students’ unruly behaviour at schools might be because of this drug use amongst learners. She stated that the impact of drug use can be more disturbing as it can affect people’s lives, ruin their futures, fuel crime, and threaten the country’s economy.

“Due to excessive use of drugs, some people have turned into ‘street kids’ and some are mentally disturbed.

Others have been laid off from their jobs because they have turned into addicts hence the need for the [drugs, medicines and related substances] Act to stipulate offences like possession of drugs, drug trafficking and the issue of cultivation and drug licencing in collaboration with other stakeholders like the Ministry of Agriculture that issues licences, Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BOMRA), and Ministry of Health and Wellness who will be dealing with the rehabilitation part,” she said.

Ramokoka revealed that amongst other things, they would start mobilising other organs like non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the community and schools, to mention but a few to raise awareness on the rise in drug and substance abuse in the country and collaborate with them towards its elimination.

She further stated that the agency intends to put emphasis on child care so that parents could be aware of what happens around their children.

This she said would enable parents to notice any behavioural changes timely and be able to intervene.

“There have been reports that there is a cough syrup that people take in large quantities as a drug hence the need for parents to be sensitised about this kind of drug.

The agency will be addressing the government and other institutions on ways and means of preventing activities for example at schools there are reports that drugs are being sold by street vendors, some bake scones with drugs and learners get addicted hence the need for that awareness,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ramokoka told The Monitor that the DEA is expected to be running in six months and that recruitment would start soon for key positions. She said the agency would house three departments those being Investigations, Public Education, and Enforcement.