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Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]

GOVERNMENT has intensified the crackdown on drug peddlers with police arresting over 6 000 people across the country since January as part of the response against drug and substance abuse and approved the principles for the enactment of the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Agency Bill.

The Bill paves the way for the establishment of an additional Security Service and specialised Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency. 

The agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as co-ordinating efforts of other support services.

Of the 6 148 people arrested, 677 were suppliers and 5 471 end-users. A total of 106 illegal drug and substance trading bases were identified, raided and destroyed in several towns and cities including Bulawayo.

Fifty-one liquor outlets were charged for operating without the correct licences. A total of 268 operators were also arrested for violating licence conditions while 17 outlets had their licences cancelled for violating operating conditions. 

A total of 311 countrywide inspections on medicine outlets were conducted and 62 lines of medicines were confiscated

In his post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government has also approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030, which outlines a comprehensive strategic approach to address the escalating threat of drug and substance abuse to public health, economic growth, national security and social stability in the country.

He said the decentralisation of the Drug and Narcotics Department will be expedited.

“Cabinet also approved the review and updating of the fine structure of the organisation and directed that suppliers must be prosecuted through the courts and not through spot fines. The establishment of outpatient psycho-social support centres and parenting groups countrywide as well as the purchase of psychotropic medicines and food provisions for rehabilitation centres will be expedited,” said Dr Muswere.

“Government continues to intensify its response against drug and substance abuse across the country. Since January 2024, about 6 148 people have been arrested, 677 were suppliers and 5 471 were end-users. A total of 106 illegal drug and substance trading bases were identified, raided and destroyed in Harare, Shamva, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Bulawayo and Mutare.” 

Dr Muswere said the prevalence of drug and substance abuse has become a global issue and Zimbabwe has not been spared. 

“Drug and substance abuse has become a threat to economic development, social harmony, health and well being, public order and security. Cabinet has thus approved the Principles for the enactment of the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Agency Bill, 2024 that paves the way for the establishment of an additional Security Service and specialised Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency,” he said.

Dr Muswere said awareness campaigns on drug and substance abuse are being accelerated targeting adults, youths and children. 

Recent studies done in Zimbabwe revealed an estimated 7,1 percent of young people abuse drugs, with the most prevalent drugs being cannabis, crystal meth, broncleer, skin lighteners, illicit beverages and body enlargement products. Children as young as 10 years old are now engaging in drug and substance abuse.

Last year, President Mnangagwa set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse to tackle the menace. Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri chairs the committee and is deputised by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.

Dr Muswere said the National Youth Service training programme will start in June at Dadaya and Vumba Training Centres. 

“In addition, as a key measure to reduce indulgence, ensuring financial inclusivity is being heightened and a total of US$20 000 has been loaned to youths across the country for income-generating projects through the Empower Bank,” he said.

Dr Muswere said Cabinet also received progress reports made in the implementation of priority projects for the first 100-day Cycle of 2024.

He said registration of 40 newly built and existing satellite schools in all the provinces is on course for completion before the end of the cycle.

“The upgrading of school infrastructure (rehabilitation and upgrading of classroom blocks, administration offices, and accommodation, water and sanitation hygiene facilities) at 11 schools is on course for completion before the end of the cycle,” said Dr Muswere.

“The construction and conversion of 10 laboratories at schools in Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Harare Metropolitan, Masvingo and Mashonaland provinces is on course for completion before the end of the cycle; and the construction of four sustainable and affordable boarding facilities in Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces to reduce walking distances for learners is on.”

Dr Muswere said his Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage counterpart, Minister Kazembe Kazembe reported progress on projects under his purview. The projects include the establishment of the Howard Mission Community Archive in Mashonaland Central Province, which is 20 percent complete. 

He said the resource mobilisation for the decentralisation of e-passport services to Gokwe South, Midlands province is underway.

“The storyline development and the collection acquisition exercise in all wards have been conducted for the refurbishment of Nambya Community Museum in Hwange, Matabeleland North province; and 15 percent of the overall works on the Online Border Management System has been completed,” he said.