Image: Namibia customs officials, courtesy Namra
Cannabis made up most of the drug seizures reported by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) during the course of the 2024/5 financial year, with almost all being confiscated at border posts with South Africa.
Altogether NamRa reported confiscations of :
- ‘Pure cannabis’ (presumably better outdoor/greendoor): 345 015 kg of valued at about N$17.25 million;
- ‘Skunk’ (indoor/controlled environment): N$ 20 965 worth N$1.05 million;
- ‘Majat’ (low quality, lots of seeds and stalks): 10 910 kg valued at N$109 100;
Note that the Rand and the Namibian dollar trade almost on par.
NamRa says the estimated street value of total drug confiscations amounted to N$26,9 million during the previous financial year. Authorities also recovered:
- Cocaine: 8 830 kg of cocaine valued at about N$4.42 million.
- Methamphetamine (Tik): 2 635 kg, with an estimated value of over N$1.32 million.
- Ecstacy: 2 476 tablets valued at about N$1.24 million
- Mandrax: 12 630 whole tablets and 39 fragments,valued at around N$1.52 million.
NamRA said it has strengthened border control through closer cooperation with other agencies and the use of inspection technology. NamRA said work is also progressing on the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno One-Stop Border Post with Botswana.
The project will combine the two border posts into one facility operating 24 hours a day.
Phase one included upgrading existing infrastructure, converting inspection areas into passenger terminals and improving facilities for freight.
Phase two is expected to start in the 2025/26 financial year. It will include scanners, roadworks, parking areas, fencing, a port health facility and sewerage upgrades.
NamRA said the project will improve border services, support trade and strengthen revenue collection. It is also expected to improve security and reduce illegal trade.
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