Oshakati: A 24-year-old man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly attempted to smuggle cannabis into the holding cells at the Oshakati Police Station during inmate visiting hours. The incident occurred around 11h00, when the suspect arrived at the station carrying a container.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Commander for the Oshana Region, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, stated that the suspect concealed parcels of cannabis between pieces of meat in the container. A total of 35 grams of cannabis and 11 'Yes' cigarettes were discovered during the attempt. The vigilant police officers detected the substances and prevented them from entering the holding cells.

The suspect is expected to face charges of contravening Section 2(b) of the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act, 1971 (Act 41 of 1971), which pertains to the possession of cannabis. Additionally, he will be charged under Sections 16 and 17 of the Tobacco Products Control Act for possession of illicit tobacco products.

Commissioner Sakaria issued a warning against similar attempts, emphasizing that security at holding facilities has been tightened. 'I want to strictly warn those harbouring similar intentions to desist from such actions because we will arrest them. It is no longer business as usual at our cells as we have adopted new detection strategies,' he said.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.