Namibia oil company boss arrested for drug dealing released on bail

Law officers allegedly found a consignment of drugs in Ms Comalie’s official vehicle containing 995 grams of cannabis and 10 grams of cocaine powder.

Kunle Sanni • March 30, 2023

Jennifer Comalie

Namibian authorities have arrested and arraigned the chairperson of the nation’s oil company’ board of directors, Jennifer Comalie, in a charge involving allegations of drug trafficking.

Ms Comalie was arraigned at the Windhoek Magistrate Court on Tuesday on charges of dealing in “dangerous dependence-producing substances”, according to a report by Voice of America (VOA) on Thursday.

She was released on bail on Tuesday.

Ms Comalie was arrested at the company’s offices on Monday following intelligence gathered by law officers after it allegedly found a consignment of drugs in her official vehicle containing 995 grams of cannabis and 10 grams of cocaine powder.

A spokesperson for the Namibian police in the Khomas region, Silas Shipandeni, said the contraband found in the public official’s vehicle is worth about 50,000 Namibian dollars.

“The contraband [was] discovered in her vehicle of which, amongst others there was a discovery of 995 grams of cannabis of which one can call ‘skunk’, 10 grams of cocaine powder and 90 units of crack cocaine,” Mr Shipandeni said.

He estimated that the total street value was 50,000 Namibian dollars.

According to the report, some support group of about 50 persons had gathered at the magistrate court on Tuesday to offer support to Ms Comalie, whom many believe was set up as a result of a power struggle between her and the managing director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia.

A Namibian corporate leader and a friend to the accused, Twapewa Kadhikwa, was reported to be among those drumming support for Ms Comalie in court.

According to her, Ms Comalie’s arrest is politically motivated by those with an interest in Namibia’s touted oil sector.

“It’s obvious, it is not something you can put aside,” said Ms Kadhikwa. “So, to me as a corporate leader first, I know Jenny. Jenny does not use drugs. You understand the volume of drugs that was found in her car are for, like, a trader, you know? Not for a consumer.”

Ms Kadhikwa said the arrest seems like a plot to discredit Ms Comalie.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.