The Inspector General of the Namibian Police is concerned over the increased use of drugs in the country.

Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo says the most commonly used drugs in the country are cannabis, mandrax, heroin, meth, crack cocaine, and power.

He says Namibia was only a drug transit country, but today the country has become drug-consuming, which is worrisome.

"There are some specific areas that are known, such as Rehoboth, which is one of the areas that is well known for drugs. Talk about the capital, and then it's all over. Now talk about the northern regions where you have got cross-border crimes, where people are crossing over from any of our neighbouring countries, and therefore, as a nation, we need to work together to deal with all those cases."

Lieutenant General Shikongo says people should not attempt to associate themselves with drug usage because it has both short-term and long-term effects on the body and mind.

This year, a number of drugs were confiscated, and in June, 153 people were arrested.

Of these, 148 were Namibians, one Angolan, one Congolese, and three Zambians.

They were found in possession of drugs valued at a combined amount of N$600,000.

"The drugs that we are confiscating every day are kept in our houses. People who are selling drugs or involved in drugs are not from somewhere; yes, even if they are foreigners, that is what we call organised crime, but the majority that are spearheading the issue of drug cases are Namibians, whether they are recruited by foreign national criminals that came from somewhere. That is something that we need to deal with."

He says NamPol has carried out a number of awareness campaigns in different regions to educate the community about the negative impacts of drug abuse.

The target audience is young people.

"The drugs are destroying our young people, and this one is not only the issue of the police; it is a national issue where multi-skilled stakeholder involvement is necessary."