Zimpapers Logo

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have been instructed to weed out drug dealers for causing a substance abuse menace nationwide and contributing to mental illnesses among the youths.

The operation will run under the code name ‘Clean up Zimbabwe’.

The operation is part of Government’s enforcement of the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan (ZNDMP 2020 to 2025) and Treatment and Rehabilitation Guidelines of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder of Zimbabwe (TRGASUD ZIM).

Addressing the media during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Government had set up an inter-ministerial committee to address substance abuse following an increase in drug abuse and anti-social behaviour by youths.

She said Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima chairs the committee.

“Regarding the response to the menace, a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach has been adopted in order to arrest the situation. This includes intensification of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, reduction of demand and elimination of supply and availability of illicit and over the counter substances and drugs on the market. The capacities, efficiency and activities of the police, justice and customs department will be complemented and strengthened,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.

She said Cabinet is satisfied with the manner security forces have responded, as more than 200 illicit substance and drug lords have been arrested.

Government is also taking deliberate steps to address substance abuse by the youths by upgrading mental health institutions to cater for minors.

“The operation ‘Clean up Harare Ghetto’ will continue and be code named operation ‘Clean up Zimbabwe’ and extended to every part of the country with a focus to frustrating activities of the criminal groups and neutralise drug and substance abuse,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said there is a need to hike penalties for those trading in illegal drugs as well as to identify and improve community-based programmes such as parents support groups.

A national call centre to address drug and substance abuse, and an online counselling service for minors will be established as part of a multi-pronged attack on the drug scourge.

“In the midterm, there is a need to open Youth Centres and increase empowerment opportunities for the youth and strengthen their vocational training programmes. Establishment of family support structures and facilities to address the negative impacts of substance and drug addiction on the immediate and extended family, for example, family clubs, churches and faith-based organisations. All local authorities should revive and expand the provision of youth clubs and other positive recreational facilities,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said the media will also be roped in to conduct awareness programmes on the impact of drug abuse by youths.
“In the long term, the Integrated Skills Outreach Programme (ISOP), which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, will be strengthened, while the public is urged to take advantage of the Non-Formal Education programme under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

“A study to establish the extent and impact of drug abuse by youths will be conducted to help inform precise interventions.” – @nqotshili