By Ziyah News Network Reporter
Cabinet has taken a stern stance against drug and substance abuse, approving a significant increase in fines and intensifying efforts to combat the scourge that is threatening to decimate a generation. The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable K. Kazembe, presented a report on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, outlining various initiatives and achievements.
In his post cabinet briefing to the media, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Minister Jenfan Muswere listed the changes in the upward review of the fines.
“Cabinet also approved the upward review of the fine from level 5 of USD30 to Level 7 which is USD400 or the ZIG equivalent or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years.”
“Monitoring, surveillance and law enforcement activities continue with a total of 2 373 individuals having been arrested while 48 bases were identified, raided and destroyed in six provinces, namely: Harare (10), Manicaland (25), Mashonaland Central (6), Matabeleland North (3), Mashonaland West (2) and Midlands (2). Joint operations involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police were conducted resulting in 724 liquor premises being inspected, out of which 124 outlet owners were arrested for violating license conditions.”
Minister Muswere also reported that drug awareness campaigns have continued across the country targeting mostly young people who are the most by numbers when it comes to drug abuse.
“A total of 25 792 youths were sensitized on anti-drug and substance abuse-related matters in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland Page 4 of 13 North and Manicaland provinces, while in the education sector a total of 569 969 learners were sensitized through special assemblies, in collaboration with the Victim Friendly Unit, Guidance and Counselling interactive sessions, sporting activities and peer education. Crystal Meth has been designated as a dangerous drug.”
Drug abuse amongst the young and old alike has spread like a veld fire post the COVID-19 pandemic and Government is working hard with partners including NGOs and religious sects to try and reverse the tide. Drug abuse comes at a cost to the state with a plethora of medical and social strains linked to the practice draining resources.
“It is pleasing to note that some religious organisations have embraced the fight against drug and substance abuse through campaigns encouraging particularly the youths to live drug-free lives. The Empower Bank capacitated youths across the country by providing them with starter pack. A total of 101 youths were trained under the revamped Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme while more youths are expected to be enrolled following the launch by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa at Nhakiwa, in the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District of Mashonaland East Province on 24 May, 2024,” noted Cabinet.
According to the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network report alcohol, drugs, and other substances abuse in order of consumption is cannabis (67%); cough syrup (47%); crystal meth (36%); illegal alcohol (31%); pharmaceuticals (13%); crack (3%); cocaine powder (3%); and heroin (2%).