Snitch on a drug lord, lose a finger

Cities and towns across Botswana have gained notoriety as hotspots for drugs. From students to middle-class employees, it seems to be en vogue to be sniffing or blowing something. There are certain cliques known to be part of the “drugs circles.” For parents and other concerned members of society, it is tragic to see youth throw their future down the drain in just a puff or sniff.

Botswana Police and Botswana society at large is dealing with a bothersome drug conundrum that has reached epidemic proportions. It appears that drugs, particularly common ones such as marijuana, CAT, cocaine are easily available and accessible. Botswana Police Service crime intelligence director Nunu Lesetedi recently revealed that they have arrested more than ten individuals in connection with raids on drugs such as cocaine and marijuana.

Botswana Police, specifically the Narcotics Unit and CID, have cracked the whip on the drug scourge that seems to have permeated the city and surrounding areas. Like a cancer, the drug usage seems to be spreading fast. However, the contention is at the borders, which seem to be porous as drugs and other illegal goods enter the country undetected.

In Gaborone and other surrounding areas, drug peddlers and drug lords are known to be “untouchable” individuals who assign schlepper harbingers to source clients, negotiate sales and maintain relations with customers. Most of them take advantage of the porous border system and corrupt officials to make their drug business run smoothly.

These “small boys” are usually the ones arrested, according to a former drug user and peddler. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said drugs are big business and are operated by high profile individuals that include influential high fliers, corporate players and well-known socialiates, some who use car washes, bars and even tuck shops. “Nowadays many people seem to have an appetite for drugs. The demand is high so there is a thriving market. It is quick hard cash that comes in daily. You know the users – they have a certain look and language they use.

They can talk about drugs in your presence and you would not even know,” he said. He divulged that it is not a “game for little boys.” “One does not wake up and just start trading. You have to be organised. For example, you have to buy off some people’s silence. The syndicates are bigger than we imagine,” he said. The source insisted that snitching on a drug lord would be akin to playing Russian roulette. “I slipped out the circles quietly. I didn’t snitch on anyone. I wouldn’t. Those people are dangerous. You would be coming between them and their money. They can cut your finger to threaten you… I turn a blind eye because I want to live.”