The Government has intensified its fight against drug and substance abuse, with authorities arresting 2 889 suspects and securing 381 convictions under the ongoing national crackdown targeting illegal drug networks across the country.
Presenting an update approved by Cabinet, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the country’s Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030) continues to register progress in combating the scourge.
“The Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse is implementing a Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), which is tailored to mitigate and ultimately eliminate the drug and substance abuse scourge in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The strategy, which coordinates interventions across Government ministries, law enforcement agencies and the private sector, is anchored on seven strategic pillars that include supply reduction, prevention, rehabilitation, psycho-social support, resource mobilisation, media engagement and legal reforms.
Authorities revealed that 453 drug suppliers and 2 436 end-users were identified during operations conducted mainly in selected districts of Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces, while 31 drug bases were dismantled.
Government 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 groups, the Committee facilitated the removal of 32 children living and working on the streets and successfully reintegrated 171 children with their families.
She also said 615 liquor-licensed premises were inspected countrywide during compliance operations, resulting in 36 unlicensed premises being fined and shut down.
“Other strategic interventions include robust awareness and prevention campaigns covering 285 918 beneficiaries, acquisition of drug-testing kits and the re-intergration of 171 children with their families,” she said.
She also said they have rolled out rehabilitation, training and entrepreneurship programmes targeting approximately 37 937 youths and women, while a US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund has been launched to provide alternative economic opportunities for young people.
She reiterated that government will continue strengthening the legislative and policy framework to improve coordination, accountability, prevention, rehabilitation, treatment and law enforcement interventions in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
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