The police in the Hardap Region have destroyed drugs and other contraband worth more than N$462 000, saying the exercise is aimed at ensuring seized drugs never find their way back into communities. The drugs formed part of evidence collected between January and December 2025.
The Head of the Crime Investigation Division in Hardap, Deputy Commissioner, Theodore Kotungondo, on Friday displayed various drugs confiscated across the region before transporting them to the Mariental State Hospital incinerator for incrimination.
The seized drugs included Mandrax tablets, skunk cannabis, cannabis and crack cocaine.
Police say the destruction process is conducted at neutral venues to ensure transparency and to assure the public that confiscated drugs are never returned to the streets.
"First and foremost, let me thank those law-abiding citizens of ours who continue providing the police with crucial information that led to the successful confiscation of these drugs. In the same vein, I am urging them to come forward with more information, as the police cannot do this on their own. These drugs are mostly originating from here."
According to police statistics, authorities confiscated 2 757 Mandrax tablets, more than 30 kilograms of skunk cannabis, nearly 13 kilograms of cannabis, and 400 units of crack cocaine, with a combined street value exceeding N$2 million.
"Drugs are mostly originating from Rehoboth, Mariental, and Kalkrand, whereas smaller quantities are confiscated in other towns in the region. The total value of drugs confiscated by the police for the period mentioned is 2.6 million. Today, we are going to destroy drugs and contraband to the total value of 462,510."
During the reporting period, police registered 283 drug-related cases and arrested 100 suspects, including 75 men, 20 women and five juveniles. Fifty cases have since been finalised, resulting in 44 convictions.
"I want to reiterate that drugs are illegal in Namibia, and therefore, those making themselves guilty of dealing or possessing them will face the full wrath of the law."
Police say drugs worth N$462 510 were destroyed during Friday's exercise while investigations and prosecutions against drug traffickers continue across the Hardap region.