Dagga dominates Botswana’s drug trade
Pini Bothoko | Monday April 20, 2026 06:00
According to the report, dagga accounts for the largest share of drug-related proceeds, exceeding P48m, followed by a growing presence of methcathinone (commonly known as CAT) over P5m. Smaller quantities of other drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine (crystal), and ephedrine, were also recorded.
Despite these figures, authorities assessed the overall proceeds from drug trafficking between 2020 and 2024 as relatively low compared to other major crimes. This is largely because the reported amounts are based on the street value of confiscated drugs rather than the full profits generated through illicit trade. The report further indicates that much of the actual proceeds are laundered outside Botswana.
However, the risk level remains elevated due to the widespread social and economic consequences associated with drug use. The report highlights that trafficking networks operating within Botswana are often organised, involving multiple actors who employ sophisticated methods to evade detection. These include the use of Money or Value Transfer Services (MVTS) to facilitate cross-border payments to suppliers.
Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 6,553 drug-related cases were investigated, with 454 prosecuted and 324 resulting in convictions. In total, 720 individuals were implicated, with over P61 million linked to these cases, an amount that was ultimately seized and confiscated by authorities.
Beyond the figures, the report underscores the profound societal impact of drug abuse. Botswana, like many countries, continues to grapple with the ripple effects of illicit drug use, including serious health risks, increased economic strain on families and government resources, and heightened threats to community safety.
The report also notes the damaging effects on youth development and education, as well as the stigma and discrimination faced by those affected. The growing use of dagga and other substances is particularly devastating among young people, contributing to rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV), crime, and family breakdowns. Of increasing concern is the infiltration of drugs into schools, where young learners are becoming both targets and consumers.
Police have repeatedly raised an alarm over the volume of drugs entering the country, especially dagga and CAT. Recent arrests suggest that large consignments are being smuggled primarily through ungazetted border points, with relatively few seizures occurring at formal ports of entry.
Entertainment venues and institutions of learning have been identified as major hotspots for drug distribution, exposing both students and patrons to heightened risks.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which is leading the fight against narcotics, has noted that while overall drug consumption patterns have remained relatively stable in recent years, young people, particularly unemployed male youth, continue to be the most affected group.
In response, the DEA recently launched a Universal Prevention Curriculum aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in combating substance abuse. The programme equips participants with foundational knowledge on substance use disorders, as well as practical and scientific approaches to prevention.
Through this initiative, youth are being groomed to become influential advocates for change within their communities. The DEA emphasises that prevention remains a cornerstone of Botswana’s national drug control strategy, noting that sustained investment in youth-focused interventions is essential for building safer communities and fostering long-term social and economic development.
Meanwhile, police continue to highlight Botswana’s geographical vulnerability as a transit route for drug trafficking. The country’s porous borders make it an attractive corridor for smugglers, who use a variety of tactics, including concealment in haulage trucks, hidden compartments in vehicles, and even body padding to move illicit substances across borders.
As authorities intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, the report makes it clear that a multi-faceted approach combining enforcement, prevention, and community engagement will be critical in addressing the growing challenge and safeguarding the nation’s future.