Africa-Press – Botswana. Government, through zero tolerance approach, remains committed to wipe out the use of illicit drugs in Botswana.
This was said by Minister of Defense and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi at the anti-drug campaign in Serowe on March 15.
Minister Mmusi said government would continue to strengthen efforts to prevent the use of drugs in order to see a drug free Botswana where all people lived free of the burden of drug abuse.
“This could be achieved by a concerted education campaign against drug abuse that has taken a harsh toll on the populace. Prevention, as it is always said, is better than cure and to wait for addiction,” the minister said.
He highlighted the need to consult and get the views of Batswana on how best to address drug abuse as well as use of illicit drugs in the country, particularly among the youth.
“It is against this backdrop that the ministry has embarked on a national campaign to nip the monster in the bud. The ministry is also doing everything in its power to ensure Botswana remain a safe haven for its citizens,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to introduce a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in order to intensify efforts to fight illicit drug abuse through various innovative avenues.
“The agency would be empowered to enforce law, apprehend criminals and hand them over to the prosecution, among other duties,” he said.
Given the country’s small population, he said, it was also paramount to explore all the means to fight illicit drug use and abuse.
He warned people to desist from engaging in illicit drugs related businesses and implored them to come up with innovative ways and establish income generating projects to sustain their livelihoods.
“Fighting drugs is every Motswana’s responsibility to ensure the country is coveted by other countries through its good deeds. Our ministry would walk the talk to ensure illicit drug use becomes a thing of the past and have a clean Botswana that government aspires,” he said.
He further said it was important to always portray the country in positive light for it to remain an icon in all spheres of life.
“We wish to have reached great milestones in the fight against the scourge by the end of the year,” he added.
For his part, Bamangwato deputy chief, Kgosi Serogola Seretse said the Serowe community was also against the use of illicit drugs, mostly impacting the youth who were the country’s future leaders.
However, Kgosi Seretse said he was hopeful that the youth, who were primarily targeted by the campaign, would grasp the message and change their lives for the better.
The anti-drug campaign was held under the theme, Drugs My Enemy, Your Enemy and United We Can Win.
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