Harare, (New Ziana) – Government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse, with thousands of suspects arrested, major drug syndicates disrupted, and millions worth of illicit substances confiscated as authorities move to contain what has become one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing social challenges.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, said Cabinet had received and approved an update on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response presented by the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Minister Soda said the committee was implementing a comprehensive Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan running from 2024 to 2030, aimed at eliminating the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse across the country.
“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,” he said.
He said the committee was coordinating interventions across Government ministries, law enforcement agencies and the private sector through seven strategic pillars that include supply chain reduction, prevention, rehabilitation, psycho-social support, economic strengthening, media communication as well as legal and policy reforms.
Minister Soda said the country was already recording significant gains in disrupting illegal drug networks and strengthening enforcement systems.
“A total of 2 889 accused persons were arraigned before the courts and 381 convictions were secured,” he said.
He added that law enforcement agencies had dismantled 453 drug supply operations, arrested 2 436 individual drug users and shut down 31 drug bases in selected districts in Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces.
Authorities also confiscated illicit drugs and substances worth approximately ZiG79,9 million, including crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy tablets, dagga, khat and unregistered medicines such as cough syrups often abused by youths.
The Government’s intensified operations have also targeted vulnerable children living on the streets, with 32 children removed from unsafe environments as part of ongoing social protection interventions.
Minister Soda said regulatory compliance inspections were being conducted nationwide to curb illegal alcohol and drug distribution networks.
“Six hundred and fifteen liquor-licensed premises were inspected and 36 unlicensed premises were fined and closed,” he said.
Beyond law enforcement, Government is also expanding awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes targeting communities, schools and young people.
Minister Soda said awareness and prevention campaigns had so far reached 285 918 beneficiaries countrywide, while drug-testing kits had been procured to strengthen detection and monitoring efforts.
He added that 171 children had been reintegrated with their families through rehabilitation and community support programmes.
Government has also rolled out community-based prevention systems, rehabilitation initiatives and entrepreneurship programmes targeting youths and women affected by drug abuse.
“Vibrant drug rehabilitation, training and entrepreneurship programmes have been rolled out to approximately 37 937 youths and women. A US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund has also been launched,” said Minister Soda.
Zimbabwe, like many countries globally, has in recent years witnessed a sharp rise in drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, with crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as mutoriro, emerging as one of the most abused substances.
The crisis has been linked to increasing cases of crime, school dropouts, mental health disorders and family breakdowns, prompting calls for stronger intervention measures from Government, churches, community organizations and health experts.
Minister Soda said Government remained committed to strengthening legislation and policy frameworks to improve coordination, accountability, rehabilitation, treatment and law enforcement.
“Government continues to spearhead the legislative and policy framework in order to strengthen coordination, accountability, prevention, rehabilitation, treatment and enforcement interventions,” he said.
The latest Cabinet update signals the government’s determination to adopt a whole-of-society approach in combating drug and substance abuse, amid growing concern over its impact on communities and the country’s future workforce.
New Ziana
