Harare, (New Ziana) – Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has urged Members of Parliament to take an active role in combating the growing drug and substance abuse crisis in the country by reporting drug lords and peddlers operating in their communities.
Presenting a Ministerial statement in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Muchinguri-Kashiri said government efforts alone were not enough, and called for a united front involving legislators, communities, and other stakeholders to tackle the problem.
“The supply of drugs to our communities is a threat to our support base. We appeal to Honourable Members to provide more information on drug barons, peddlers, drug bases and errant liquor operators. It is the responsibility of legislators to protect the electorate from drugs. The Honorable Members are the eyes and ears of the pillar. The drug economy is rooted and thrives in our constituencies,” she said.
Muchinguri warned of the deepening social and economic toll of drug abuse, citing cases of drug-induced violence, including some users attacking or killing their own parents, as well as fatal traffic accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.
“The emerging drug culture is exerting pressure on our already tight fiscal space and fueling violent criminal activities. The magnitude and complexity of this challenge require that we adopt a multi-stakeholder approach in earnest, leaving no one and no community behind,” she said.
She reported that since the establishment of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse in 2023, a total of 31 789 suspects have been arrested and of these, 3 585 were referred to court where 1 831 were convicted, some with sentences of up to 15 years.
Muchinguri-Kashiri added that 665 drug bases were dismantled across the country during the same period while the government has since adopted a policy of “naming and shaming” convicted drug suppliers without fear or favour after court proceedings. “We have lost precious lives. The fight against drugs must be everyone’s fight,” she said.
New Ziana
