The Government of Zimbabwe says it is making significant progress in the fight against drug and substance abuse, with thousands of arrests, major drug seizures, and rehabilitation programmes being rolled out across the country.
Speaking during the 15th Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, presented an update on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, which was approved by Cabinet.
“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,” Hon Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
She said the Committee coordinates interventions involving Government ministries, law enforcement agencies, communities, and the private sector through seven strategic pillars which include supply chain reduction, prevention, rehabilitation, psycho-social support, economic strengthening, media communication, and legal reforms.
The update revealed major progress in disrupting illegal drug supply networks across the country.
“A total of 2 889 accused persons were arraigned before the courts and 381 convictions were secured,” she said.
Hon. Kashiri also confirmed that approximately 453 drug suppliers, 2 436 individual end-users, and 31 drug bases were dismantled in the selected districts of Manicaland and Mashonaland West Provinces.
She disclosed that drugs and illicit substances worth nearly ZiG 79.9 million were confiscated during ongoing operations.
“These included crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy tablets, dagga, khat and unregistered medicines including cough syrups,” Hon Kashiri stated.
In efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children, she said “32 children living and working on the streets” were removed and placed under protection programmes, while 171 children were successfully reintegrated with their families.
Authorities also intensified inspections targeting liquor outlets and illegal operating premises.
“The Committee also conducted regulatory compliance inspections across the country’s provinces, with 615 liquor-licensed premises having been inspected and 36 unlicensed premises fined and closed,”she said.
Ministry added that awareness and prevention campaigns have so far reached “285 918 beneficiaries” nationwide as authorities scale up anti-drug education in schools and communities.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation, vocational training, entrepreneurship support programmes, and empowerment initiatives have been rolled out to “approximately 37 937 youths and women.”
Minister announced the launch of “a US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund” aimed at supporting young people through income-generating projects and economic opportunities.
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