A 24-year-old Namibian Police Force (NamPol) officer arrested for possession of illicit drugs at the Rehoboth Police Station on Monday was on Wednesday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of N$1 000. Dirk Coetzee made his first appearance in the Rehoboth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where Magistrate Desire Kamboua imposed a N$1 000 fine or three months imprisonment for the first count of possession of three cannabis cigarettes. On the second count of possessing a mandrax tablet, the police officer was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, with six months suspended for a period of five years, on condition that he is not convicted of the same charge during this period. The total value of the drugs is N$150. Coetzee was found in possession of the illicit drugs after a body search was conducted on him when he reported for duty at about 21h45 on Monday, following a tip-off. He was arrested on the spot and the drugs were confiscated immediately. Public Prosecutor Zibiho Munenze represented the State in the matter.