By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, June 28, Mana: South West Police Regional Headquarters in Blantyre has acknowledged a decrease in cases of drug abuse and trafficking between January to June this year as the region registered 38 cases compared this year, compared to 91 cases registered in the same period last year.

Assistant Regional Public Relations Officer for the region, Inspector Edith Kachotsa said in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Friday that in 2023 the region registered a high number of drug abuse and trafficking due to limited resources to track down suspects as the region covers Blantyre, Limbe, Mwanza and Neno districts.

She also disclosed that out of 38 cases, 37 suspects were arrested and appeared before court, saying intensified public awareness on dangers of drug abuse, police investigations and prosecution of suspects was a major factor that led to the reduction.

“The reduction of cases was due to a number of strategies which were put in place, Currently South West Regional Police continues with the strategies and we are also working hand in hand with various stakeholders to make sure this comes to an end,” Kachotsa added.

She said police are expecting the National Drug Policy to balance the drug users' rights as well as the rights of the law enforcers when discharging their duties and encourage all Malawians to work together in the fight against drug abuse.

The police publicist bemoaned the tendency by some drug users who mix drugs to make a new one with no name, observing this has serious implications on health.

In separate interview, National Programme Officer for the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime-Malawi, Maxwell Matewere highlighted the need for the country to move fast in coming up with Drug Control Policy that should help deal with drug abuse and trafficking, saying drug and substance abuse affect mental health among users.

“As a country, we have to accept the fact that issues of drugs is there so as a way forward let’s raise awareness. We should advocate for a policy, facilitating dialogue and collaboration to enhance evidence based prevention, promote and empower the youths to have skills that will help to address the malpractice,” said Matewere.