Tougher stance against drugs needed
Mmegi Editor | Friday July 28, 2017 11:34
What used to be consumed in private is now used in public and that is the reality of drug abuse in Botswana. Young people in their 20s no longer hide from the public and they inhale their staff wherever they are – at the braai stand, parking lot or even at the public toilet.
The drug industry has grown rapidly in the last 10 years. Anybody who feels the pain of unemployment can easily become a drug pusher because they know that the risks are minimal – a meagre fine or a few weeks in jail upon conviction. Under the current government, alcohol consumption has been heavily criminalised over drug use and dealing.
Yes, the current government despises alcohol consumers more than drug users as evidenced in unreasonable levies and high licence fees. This has to change if we are serious about fighting drug abuse in the country, which has now been extended to our schools both in urban and rural centres. First the government has to declare war on drugs as it did on rape, defilement, and alcoholism among other social ills.
It should review penalties for possession of drugs in excess of a prescribed volume. For instance, if a person is found in possession of dagga in excess of five kilogrammes they should be jailed for not less than 10 years because the offence can be treated as equivalent to committing murder.
Secondly, the police should intensify the tests conducted on suspected marijuana and distinguish the natural from that which contains other concoctions so that the penalties for possession for either use of dealing vary. Thirdly, people who possess or sell cocaine and other hard drugs that are highly addictive should face heavier penalties that go up to 15 years of imprisonment because they are just as good as murderers. A tougher stance is the only way we can win this war on drugs.
The police have complained several times that drug dealers are repeat offenders who are always released back into society by the courts. There is no doubt that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but in a situation where the same people are constantly caught on the wrong side of the law, should concern lawyers, magistrates and judges alike. They should be worried about the welfare and safety of children, relatives and friends if these repeat offenders (drug dealers) are allowed back into the streets. We need a paradigm shift and all stakeholders should play their role if we are to win the fight against drugs. The time is now!
Today's thought
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
– Chinese proverb