Namibia's Border Drug Detection Capacity Under Scrutiny

The adequacy of Namibia's border security resources has come under scrutiny after concerns were raised about drug-detection facilities at two southern border posts. Independent Patriot for Change member of parliament Immanuel Nashinge identified the Klein Menassa and Velloorsdrift border posts in the //Karas Region as having inadequate facilities. Nashinge alleged that officers relied on manual searches to identify narcotics concealed in vehicles due to a lack of proper scanning and drug-detection facilities.

In response to Nashinge's concerns, Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu acknowledged that personnel, equipment, and operational resources are crucial for effective border security. The government is strengthening border security through the expansion of the INTERPOL I-24/7 secure communication system and its integration with the Electronic Border Management System. Iipumbu emphasized that resource requirements remain an important consideration in strengthening detection and enforcement capabilities, particularly at non-commercial border posts.

The parliamentary exchange comes against the background of significant drug seizures recorded by law enforcement agencies. In June 2025, the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force reported that drugs worth approximately N$106 million had been confiscated between January 2023 and December 2024, with 3 264 suspects arrested during the period. These seizures highlight the need for effective border security measures to curb drug trafficking.

The Namibia Revenue Agency separately reported intercepting narcotics valued at approximately N$26.9 million during the 2024/25 financial year. The substances included cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, mandrax, and methamphetamine. A notable seizure was made at Ariamsvlei Border Post in November 2025, where NamRA officials intercepted drugs valued at approximately N$5.16 million after a vehicle was directed to a scanner that detected suspicious objects concealed in its canopy.

Minister Iipumbu emphasized that Namibia continues to use established policing mechanisms to combat cross-border organised crime. Initiatives such as Operation USALAMA, the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation, and the Southern African Development Community facilitate cooperation with regional and continental law enforcement agencies. This cooperation is crucial in disrupting drug trafficking networks that operate across national boundaries.

Iipumbu also highlighted the importance of intelligence gathered through the INTERPOL system and EBMS in informing targeted interventions and joint operations with regional partners. However, the minister's response did not specify how many border posts are currently connected to INTERPOL's I-24/7 system or provide figures on police personnel deployed at non-commercial entry points. The lack of detailed information on current resources and personnel deployment raises concerns about the effectiveness of border security measures.

The concerns raised about border drug detection capacity and the government's response highlight the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking in Namibia. The country's law enforcement agencies face the task of strengthening border security and disrupting drug trafficking networks with limited resources. The effectiveness of current measures and future plans will be crucial in addressing the issue of drug trafficking in the region.

Key points

• The Namibian government is strengthening border security through the expansion of the INTERPOL I-24/7 secure communication system and its integration with the Electronic Border Management System.
• Significant drug seizures have been recorded by law enforcement agencies, including drugs worth approximately N$106 million confiscated between January 2023 and December 2024.
• Namibia cooperates with regional and continental law enforcement agencies through initiatives such as Operation USALAMA and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation.