Man caught with 2.5kg dagga
A 37-year-old man was arrested in Konyana Ward, Mahalapye, after police discovered a backpack containing approximately 2.5 kilograms of dagga.
Mahalapye Central Police Station Commander, Superintendent Meshack Ranku, confirmed the Monday morning arrest. The accused, originally from Old Matope Ward in Mmutlane, was stopped during a routine police patrol and a search operation.
“Three wrappings of green plant material were found in his backpack. The substances will be sent to the Forensic Lab for testing and weighing,” Superintendent Ranku said. The suspect is remanded in custody and has not yet appeared in court.
The incident comes amid increased security measures in Mahalapye, following a recent deployment of highly trained Special Support Group (SSG) officers.
Assistant Minister of Correctional Services, Augustine Nyathanga, said that 23 SSG members, including specialised dogs, have joined local police to strengthen community safety. The deployment was launched by the Minister of State, President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa.
It was revealed that the new measures aim to address crime trends, including murder, rape, theft, and drug-related offences.
Botswana has legalised cannabis strictly for industrial, medicinal, and research purposes. Recreational use, personal possession, and open sale remain prohibited.
The Cannabis Act of 2025, supported by regulations published on January 12, 2026, sets out a tightly controlled licensing system for cultivation, processing, research, transport, import, and export. Unlicensed possession or use is still considered a criminal offence.
Industrial cannabis (hemp) is capped at 0.7% THC and is primarily used for fibre, seed, oil, and research. Medicinal cannabis must comply with strict licensing, quality, and security requirements.