Lesotho Drug Crisis: Mothers Fight to Protect Children
- In Lesotho, a surge in crystal meth use is compounded by a dangerous practice known as "bluetoothing" or "hotspotting." This involves injecting the blood of an intoxicated person...
- pontso Tumisi, public relations officer for Mokhosi oa Mangoana (A Mother’s Cry), recalls her initial ignorance when she first encountered crystal meth in her daughter's room.
- Mphonyane Mofokeng, founder of the Anti-Drug Abuse association of Lesotho (Adaal), cites a recent study indicating that 68% of high school students in Lesotho's northern region have used...
Lesotho faces a critical drug crisis, as crystal meth use escalates, particularly among youth. Compounding the problem is “hotspotting,” a perilous practice where users share blood to get high, significantly amplifying the risk of HIV and other infections. Mothers like Pontso Tumisi are fighting for change, highlighting parental ignorance as a key barrier to intervention. The Anti-Drug Abuse Association reveals that 68% of high school students in lesotho’s northern region have used illicit substances, showcasing the widespread impact.At News Directory 3,we emphasize the severity of the situation,where both poverty and peer pressure fuel this risky trend,leading to risky behaviors. Discover how organizations and initiatives are working to combat the crisis and protect children.
Lesotho Grapples With crystal Meth and Dangerous “Hotspotting”
Updated June 04, 2025
In Lesotho, a surge in crystal meth use is compounded by a dangerous practice known as “bluetoothing” or “hotspotting.” This involves injecting the blood of an intoxicated person into others to share the high, raising alarm about the spread of HIV and other blood-borne diseases. the drug advisory programme is trying to help.
pontso Tumisi, public relations officer for Mokhosi oa Mangoana (A Mother’s Cry), recalls her initial ignorance when she first encountered crystal meth in her daughter’s room. Now, she regrets not recognizing the signs of substance abuse sooner. Tumisi believes that a lack of awareness among parents and guardians allows drug use to go unnoticed.
Mphonyane Mofokeng, founder of the Anti-Drug Abuse association of Lesotho (Adaal), cites a recent study indicating that 68% of high school students in Lesotho’s northern region have used illicit substances.This highlights the magnitude of substance use among young people in the country, where half the population lives below the poverty line.
The “hotspotting” trend is particularly alarming. Maj Gen Khomo Mohobo, with the Lesotho defense Force (LDF), explains that young people, lacking funds to buy drugs, resort to sharing blood to get high, exposing themselves to severe health risks. A single fix can cost about 300 rand (about $16.50 USD), leading users to pool money, with one person taking the drug and then sharing their blood.
