The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) has reiterated its call to the public to refrain from smuggling contraband into its facilities.

The NCS made the call during a campaign against the smuggling of illegal items into the correctional facilities in Windhoek.

The awareness campaign began with a march in an effort to educate the public on the dangers of smuggling drugs, cellphones, knives, weapons, money, cigarettes, and alcohol into the facilities.

These are smuggled in by fitting them into the bible, toiletries, pillows, lunch boxes, buckets, irons, shoes, bottles, and cans, to mention but a few.

Deputy Commissioner Veikko Armas stated that what is disappointing is that illegal substances are sometimes smuggled into the facility by correctional facility officials, of whom four are currently on suspension.

"Between January and June 2023, 40 mobile phones, 67 sachets of dagga, 40 pieces of Crack cocaine, 42 sachets of mandrax tablets, and tobacco were found and confiscated. Some of these items were intercepted before entering the facility."

He reminded the public that smuggling illegal substances contributes to bullying and aids escape, and offenders use cellphones to threaten witnesses.
   
"The smuggling of contraband poses a sustainable threat to the overall mandate of the Namibian Correctional Service of providing safe, secure, and humane custody to offenders. Secondly, it poses a substantial threat to the safety of Correctional staff, inmates, and the public at large."

Public members who happen to be caught smuggling substances into the facility risk imprisonment.

They are also encouraged to report any smuggling activities into the correctional facilities.