Spread of synthetic drugs threatens security

The world is facing a new challenging threat which is now a scourge that is spreading at the speed of pandemic velocity, President Advocate Duma Boko said, this week revealing that the spread of synthetic drugs is a danger that looms large over the country, the region, the continent and the world.Speaking at the African Union (AU) Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in Gaborone, President Boko called for a fortified, intelligence-driven alliance among African nations to combat the escalating crisis of synthetic drugs. He highlighted the transnational nature of the challenge of synthetic drugs as a threat outpacing traditional law enforcement.The three-day event is being held under the theme, "Strengthening Efforts Towards Addressing Drug Trafficking and Advancing Crime Prevention, Justice, Criminal Justice and Rule of Law in Africa."“The synthetic drug supply threatens our security, health and prosperity. It is a real and present danger. It is a threat of another kind. Those who are involved are very organised,” the president said.Adv Boko told the conference that if left unchecked they will become so powerful that they will become cartels and power-blocks of deadly force. They will become power-blocks that can overrun the country, penetrate and cease institutions including political and law enforcement agencies, Adv Boko warned.“We are here to affirm our commitment to tackling and overcoming the scourge. Let us improve our laws, institutions and detection techniques. In 2018 Botswana established the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) which became operational in 2023. This was a bold step forward by the country,” said Adv Boko.He said it has to be acknowledged that synthetic drugs distribution is a complex one. Hence the need for effective laws and responsive community. He stated that criminal syndicates are exploiting modern technology to traffic illicit substances and launder profits through complex channels, undermining both regional security and public health.According to Adv Boko, the response must be equally swift and strategic. He told the conference that the response must be grounded in intelligence-led policing, strengthened regional partnerships, comprehensive legal frameworks, and proactive community engagement.The high-level African Union (AU) conference aimed at curbing synthetic drug trafficking, drew delegates from 40 African countries to Gaborone. The conference is part of a continental push to strengthen supply reduction strategies and bolster public health and security responses. The consultation focused on coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches to disrupt illicit manufacturing, detectemerging drug threats and strengthen legal frameworks.The African Union Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction forms a key component of the AU’s Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025). The plan aims to address the growing threat of synthetic drug use and trafficking that has escalated across Africa in recent years, undermining health systems, fuelling organised crime and destabilising communities. Synthetic drugs such as tramadol, methamphetamine and new psychoactive substances have surged in availability and misuse, often outpacing regulatory and enforcement capacities.According to the AU’s Pan African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (PAENDU), the continent faces rising cases of non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, with children as young as nine receiving treatment for substance use disorders. PAENDU’s data also shows a troubling increase in opioid abuse and early initiation of drug use, particularly in West, Central and Southern Africa.

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Spread of synthetic drugs threatens security