Alleged Oamites drug dealers remanded in custody

Waltraut Stiemert (56) and her 25-year-old daughter, Vicky Stiemert, made their first appearance in the Rehoboth Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, facing charges of drug dealing and possession. This follows the discovery of 87 cannabis plants weighing over 35 kilograms and valued at N$1.7 million on their farm near the Oamites Agri Units.The pair is charged with dealing in and possessing dependence-producing substances. They are set to return to court on 28 January 2025 for a formal bail hearing.The two were arrested early Sunday morning during a joint crime prevention operation led by the Rehoboth Drug Law Enforcement Unit and Groot-Aub Police Station.State prosecutor Frank Tjibeba opposed bail, citing the significant value of the seized drugs and concerns about interference with investigations or the risk of repeat offenses. “The value of the drugs is very high, and drug-related activities are plaguing our society, eroding its moral fiber. It is not in the interests of justice or public safety to grant bail,” Tjibeba said.Rising drug concernsPolice spokesperson Deputy-Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi revealed that in December 2024 alone, the police seized 308 tonnes of marijuana with a street value of over N$3 million. She noted that this reflects an ongoing challenge, with drugs becoming increasingly prevalent.Under Namibia’s 1971 Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centers Act, possession of more than 115 grams of marijuana is considered indicative of drug dealing. - jemima@nmh-hub.com.na

Alleged Oamites drug dealers remanded in custody

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Alleged Oamites drug dealers remanded in custody

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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