Government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse, with thousands of suspects arrested, hundreds of convictions and the seizure of illicit substances worth millions as authorities tighten the net on drug syndicates and suppliers.
Presenting an update during yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said Cabinet had approved progress made under the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030).
The strategy is aimed at eliminating drug and substance abuse through coordinated action involving Government ministries, law enforcement agencies and the private sector.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the committee was implementing interventions under seven strategic pillars which include supply chain reduction, prevention, rehabilitation, psycho-social support, resource mobilisation, media communication and legal reforms.
“The Committee is successfully disrupting illicit supply networks and has achieved significant milestones,” she said.
She revealed that a total of 2 889 accused persons had been arraigned before the courts, while 381 convictions had been secured during the period under review.
“Approximately 453 drug suppliers, 2 436 individual end-users and 31 drug bases were dismantled in selected districts of Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Authorities also confiscated drugs and illicit substances valued at approximately ZiG79,9 million.
The seized substances included crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy tablets, dagga, khat and unregistered medicines such as cough syrups.
In a move aimed at protecting vulnerable children, Government removed 32 children living and working on the streets and facilitated interventions to support their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the committee had also intensified regulatory compliance inspections across the country.
“A total of 615 liquor-licensed premises were inspected, while 36 unlicensed premises were fined and closed,” she said.
Government has also rolled out nationwide awareness and prevention campaigns which have reached more than 285 000 beneficiaries.
Other interventions include the acquisition of drug-testing kits, the reintegration of 171 children with their families and the establishment of community-based prevention systems.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said rehabilitation, training and entrepreneurship programmes targeting youths and women had benefited approximately 37 937 people.
To further empower young people and provide alternatives to drug abuse, Government recently launched a US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund.
Government will continue strengthening the legislative and policy framework to improve coordination, accountability, prevention, rehabilitation, treatment and enforcement interventions in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
