DEA to purchase drug testing, detection equipment
Pini Bothoko | Monday February 24, 2025 13:06
Last year, the DEA, which was at the time a newly established entity, got the same P41 million to battle against narcotics and reduce the violence and other criminal activities associated with the drug trade. In 2024 the government revealed that the country’s landlocked position compromises it as a transit route and destination for drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. This year’s funding comes as drug-related crimes and substance abuse continue to pose a major challenge in the country.
This equipment is expected to enhance the DEA’s capacity to detect and intercept illegal substances at border posts, airports, and other strategic locations as drugs continue to find their way into the country. In an interview, Director General (DG) for DEA, Phemelo Ramakorwane, says the introduction and use of drug testing and detection equipment in Botswana will significantly enhance the country’s ability to combat the growing problem of illicit drug use and trafficking. He added that the advanced tools will help authorities identify illegal substances at border points, airports, and checkpoints, making it harder for traffickers to smuggle drugs into the country. He said there will be a strengthened drug screening at schools, workplaces, and rehabilitation centres to deter usage and help detect individuals in need of intervention. “Advanced equipment will provide real-time, on-the-spot identification of drugs, allowing law enforcement and medical professionals to respond more efficiently. Forensic labs equipped with modern drug testing technology will improve the accuracy of drug-related criminal investigations and legal proceedings,” Ramakorwane said.
The DEA DG also pointed out that reliable drug screening tools in healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centres will allow professionals to monitor patients’ recovery progress and prevent relapses. He said there will be early detection of substance abuse can lead to faster intervention and referral to appropriate support systems. Commenting on the state of drug use in Botswana, Ramakorwane said the country has been experiencing a rise in illicit drug abuse, particularly among youth and urban populations. He revealed that some of the most commonly used illicit substances include marijuana (dagga) which is the most widely used illicit drug and methcathinone (known locally as 'CAT') which is growing in popularity among young people. He said the increase in drug use has led to rising crime rates, school dropouts, mental health disorders, and social instability. He said another measure in place to curb drug abuse in Botswana is the development of the National Drug Control Master Strategy (2025-2029), a comprehensive framework focusing on prevention, treatment, enforcement, and harm reduction.
He said there is also strengthening of legislation and law enforcement and introducing tougher drug laws and penalties for traffickers and distributors. “There are also community awareness and prevention programmes and nationwide anti-drug campaigns targeting schools, workplaces, and communities. There is collaboration with churches, NGOs, and social workers to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse. Moreover, there is regional and international cooperation and strengthened partnerships with SADC, AU, and UNODC to combat transnational drug trafficking.There are also intelligence-sharing and joint operations with neighbouring countries to dismantle drug smuggling networks,” he said.
“While the drug problem in Botswana is a growing concern, the integration of drug testing and detection equipment, coupled with strategic policy interventions, will significantly enhance the country’s ability to control illicit drug use. However, a holistic approach involving law enforcement, education, community engagement, and rehabilitation services remains crucial in effectively curbing the illicit drug crisis that the country is facing,” Ramakorwane concluded.