Namibia observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse

Today, on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, local authorities are rolling out awareness campaigns to increase prevention, treatment, and community support initiatives. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, NamPol spokesperson, stressed the importance of early education and public vigilance.

Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi

Kauna Shikwambi called on parents, teachers, and communities to report drug dealers, noting a worrying rise in youth substance use and his team’s intensified interventions. “Our message remains: the use, possession, and dealing of drugs are illegal and punishable by law,” she stated.

The Namibian Police Force is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and civil society groups to deploy “Operation Dawn 2.0”—an anti-drug outreach encompassing youth education, counselling, and community engagement. Similar national efforts have ramped up in recent weeks, pounding border posts and known hotspots.

Deputy Comm. Shikwambi also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media. “Refrain from spreading false information about our programmes,” she urged.