Berea, April 20 — The Lesotho Mounted Police Service in Teyateyaneng, Berea, has raised concern over increase in drug abuse cases in the area, with several criminal incidents reportedly linked to substance abuse.
This was revealed on Monday during an interview with the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) in Berea, where Inspector Ramabanta Lelakane, the head of the CPU, said that drug-related challenges are becoming more visible in Teyateyaneng.
Insp. Lelakane said the most commonly used substances in the area include alcohol, crystal meth and weed.
“Although we currently have one case of crystal meth, the suspicion is that the supplier normally sells it to school children,” Inspector Lelakane said.
He further stated that many of the cases police deal with in relation to drug abuse include sexual offenses and assault, which often occur in entertainment places.
Insp. Lelakane also noted that road safety interventions such as speed traps and breathalyser operations have contributed to a decrease in road accidents in the district.
He said these measures have helped curb reckless driving and reduce alcohol-related incidents on the roads.
He added that the police have intensified awareness campaigns in schools and through radio programs to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. He also highlighted that police conduct public gatherings aimed at crime and alcohol abuse prevention, alongside mobile patrols across the district.
Insp. Lelakane further mentioned ongoing youth-focused initiatives, such as the Youth Voluntary Community Service (YVCS), which aims to keep young people engaged in constructive activities and away from crime and substance abuse.
He urged parents to encourage their children to join the YVCS program as well as seasonal youth camps, saying these initiatives play a key role in preventing drug abuse and crime in the district.
Ends/MTM/tl
