Man nabbed for transporting hoodia

POLICE at Keetmanshoop yesterday arrested a man for allegedly harvesting and transporting the protected hoodia plant without a valid permit.

Acting Regional Police Commander Nicky Nampala said Hermanus Jacobus de Wet was arrested on the road between Aus and Luederitz after 300 kg of hoodia was found in the boot of his car and on a trailer. The value of the haul was estimated at N$35 000.De Wet was due to appear in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’ Court yesterday to apply for bail.The hoodia plant, which grows wild in southern Namibia and the Kalahari, is sought after internationally for its appetite-suppressant qualities.It is used by the pharmaceutical industry in the manufacture of slimming tablets.Government is in the process of passing a new law on protected plant products, as the existing law, which is 30 years old, is outdated and stipulates inadequate fines.Under the new law, the envisaged National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) will have the authority to issue plant-health certification to ensure that exports of plants and plant products meet the necessary legal requirements.It also provides for stiffer sentences for offenders.The Police are currently entrusted with the protection of natural resources, which include rare plants.The value of the haul was estimated at N$35 000.De Wet was due to appear in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’ Court yesterday to apply for bail.The hoodia plant, which grows wild in southern Namibia and the Kalahari, is sought after internationally for its appetite-suppressant qualities.It is used by the pharmaceutical industry in the manufacture of slimming tablets.Government is in the process of passing a new law on protected plant products, as the existing law, which is 30 years old, is outdated and stipulates inadequate fines.Under the new law, the envisaged National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) will have the authority to issue plant-health certification to ensure that exports of plants and plant products meet the necessary legal requirements.It also provides for stiffer sentences for offenders.The Police are currently entrusted with the protection of natural resources, which include rare plants.