WALVIS BAY – Police in Erongo have arrested 221 suspects in connection with drug-related cases from October 2025 to date.
Of these, 189 were Namibian men, 23 Namibian women, seven foreign nationals (men) and two foreign female nations.
During the raids, police confiscated drugs and other illicit substances with an estimated street value of N$2.5 million, while a total of 178 cases have been registered throughout the region. These figures were revealed by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Commissioner for Erongo, Nikolaus Kupembona, who said they have been working tirelessly to intensify the fight against drugs in the region.
He said 36.167 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis, valued at N$1.8 million, were confiscated.
In addition, high-grade cannabis worth N$39 600 and another type of cannabis (majad), valued at N$15 800 were also seized.
“We also confiscated 4 032 mandrax tablets with a street value of N$483 800, as well as 88 blocks of crack cocaine, cocaine powder, crystal meth, illicit alcohol and cigarettes,” he said.
He added that 34 abortion tablets were also found in connection with suspects.
Also among the arrests was a couple found in possession of drugs worth over N$800 000, who were dealing in cannabis and mandrax tablets.
Wilbard Shideni Elago Iyambo and Kayla Tamlin Koppetseh, both 29, appeared before the Walvis Bay Magistrate Court on Friday. Their case had their case postponed to June for further investigations. They are in police custody.
“The amount of drugs flooding our communities is worrying. We are appealing to the public to report suspected drug operations within their communities,” Kupembona said. He noted that some residents have been cooperating even risking their lives to point out drug dens. He reiterated that NamPol appreciates every tip supplied by the community.
“Drug dealers are using vulnerable people such as minors, pensioners, unemployed youth, homeless people and school children to sell drugs. At the end of the day, these vulnerable people are arrested when drugs are found in their possession. This has created the perception that the main dealers are untouchable,” he said. The police spokesperson said the arrests should signal that police are serious in clamping down on all illegal activities but need the support of the community to fight drugs.
“We are appealing to the community to come forward. Their identity will be protected. We have suggestion boxes all over the region where people can drop their suggestions or crime-fighting tips. Every tip will be followed up,” he appealed.