LOBATSE, 26 June 2026 – Botswana joined the global community in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) at the Lobatse Civic Centre, with renewed calls for stronger collaboration, innovative responses, and sustained investment in prevention, treatment , rehabilitation, and law enforcement to address the evolving world drug problem.
Held under the theme "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," the national commemoration, organised by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in collaboration with key stakeholders, brought together government leaders, dikgosi, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, students, and members of the public to reaffirm Botswana's commitment to building safer, healthier, and drug-free communities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting President and Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Hon. Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, said this year's World Drug Day theme reflects the evolving nature of the global drug problem and the need for intelligence-led, collaborative, and innovative responses. He emphasised that drug use is not only a law enforcement issue but a national development challenge that continues to undermine families, communities, public health and Botswana's socio-economic progress.
Hon. Mohwasa reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the national response to drug use through prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation. He announced that the government has committed P80 million towards the construction of rehabilitation centres in Lobatse and Maun, while the Serowe Rehabilitation Centre is nearing completion. He further revealed that the government is enhancing the operational capacity of the Drug Enforcement Agency through increased manpower, additional narcotic detection dogs, improved transport and infrastructure.
The Acting President called for a whole-of-society approach, urging parents, schools, churches, traditional leaders, civil society, the private sector and every Motswana to work together in preventing drug use, supporting those affected by addiction and building stronger families, safer communities and a drug-free Botswana.
Gallery
