Iipumbu details drug busts and anti-narcotics strategy in National Assembly

Staff Reporter MINISTER of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has told Parliament that no formal drug cartels or structured trafficking syndicates have been identified operating in Namibia, while detailing the country’s ongoing anti-narcotics operations, arrests and drug seizures. She said the fight against illicit drugs remains focused on dismantling criminal networks and strengthening intelligence-led policing, even as government prioritises disruption of supply chains and higher-level organisers. Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, Iipumbu reaffirmed government’s “unwavering commitment” to combating drug-related crimes and organised criminal activity, noting that while arrests and seizures reflect operational success, greater emphasis is being placed on disrupting supply chains, financial flows and higher-level organisers. She told Parliament that, based on Namibian Police reports for the period between June and July 2025, no formalised or structured drug trafficking cartels were identified as operating within Namibia. Instead, most cases involved individual suspects or small-scale distributors linked within informal networks. The Minister also tabled figures on drugs seized during the reporting period, including more than 1.29 million kg of cannabis valued at over N$12.9 million, 921 Mandrax tablets, cocaine powder, crack cocaine, crystal meth and psychotech pills, bringing the total estimated value of seized drugs to about N$13.1 million. A total of 359 suspects were arrested, comprising 339 Namibians and several foreign nationals, including individuals from Angola, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Minister said intelligence-related information, including identities and operational assessments, could not be disclosed publicly as it could compromise ongoing investigations, witness safety and prosecutorial outcomes. However, she assured the House that cases meeting the legal threshold are being prosecuted and that efforts are underway to identify financiers and organisers behind the trade. Addressing concerns that arrests mainly involve low-level offenders, Iipumbu said the majority of recorded cases relate to possession and small-scale distribution, but agreed that success should not only be measured by arrests and seizures, but also by disruption of supply networks, asset forfeiture and targeting higher-level actors. On allegations of possible collusion at entry points, she said the Ministry treats such claims seriously and refers credible information involving public officials for investigation through disciplinary and criminal processes. She added that measures such as vetting, operational oversight, staff rotation and inter-agency cooperation are being strengthened to address vulnerabilities at ports of entry and border posts. “The House should be assured that no official is above the law,” she said, adding that action is taken wherever evidence is found. Iipumbu said government will continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, strengthen border control and pursue those responsible for organising and profiting from the illicit drug trade. Photo: NBC Digital News The post Iipumbu details drug busts and anti-narcotics strategy in National Assembly appeared first on Informanté .