The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has recently issued a critical warning to parents and guardians regarding a concerning trend: drugs being disguised as sweets. This alarming development has raised fears for the safety and well-being of children across the nation.
The LMPS revealed that drug dealers are now packaging illicit substances in the form of sweets, potentially making them more appealing and less suspicious to children and unsuspecting adults. In light of this, the police are urging parents and guardians to exercise vigilance and ensure they closely monitor the types of sweets their children consume.
In a recent case underscoring the gravity of this issue, a 35-year-old man was sentenced earlier this month to five years imprisonment by the Maseru Magistrate’s Court after being found in possession of dagga and its related products. The court, however, gave the accused the option of paying a fine of M10,000.00, half of which was suspended. The individual was able to pay the M5,000.00 fine and avoided serving the full prison sentence.
This case highlights the challenges faced by authorities in combating drug-related crimes and the lengths to which offenders are going to evade detection. The LMPS emphasized the need for a collective effort from families, schools, and communities to protect children from falling prey to these deceptive practices.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate their children about the dangers of accepting sweets or snacks from strangers and to report any suspicious products to the police immediately. Schools and community leaders are also urged to play an active role in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs disguised as everyday items.
The LMPS remains committed to cracking down on drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of the public, particularly vulnerable groups like children. They call upon the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to combat this growing threat.
