Staff Reporter

Harare, Zimbabwe – In a bid to combat the escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, the Zimbabwean government has arrested over 2,000 individuals and raided 48 drug bases across the country’s six provinces.

Presenting the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response report during the Post-Cabinet Briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, revealed that monitoring, surveillance, and law enforcement activities have led to the arrest of 2,373 individuals and the destruction of 48 drug bases.

The government has also intensified joint operations involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, resulting in the inspection of 724 liquor premises and the arrest of 124 outlet owners for violating license conditions.

To deter offenders, Cabinet has approved a significant fine increase from US$30 to US$400 or its ZIM equivalent, or imprisonment for up to two years.

The drug and substance abuse crisis has severe socio-economic implications, including increased healthcare and rehabilitative services, reduced labor productivity, and detrimental effects on community development and sustainability.

According to UNICEF, substance and drug abuse are among the most severe public health threats facing adolescents and young people, with long-term impacts on their well-being.

To combat this scourge, the government established the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, engaging various stakeholders, including the church and civil society organizations.

The initiative has sensitized 25,792 youths and 569,969 learners in schools, with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development reaching 14,951 people across all provinces.

Crystal Meth has been designated a dangerous drug, and the government remains committed to fighting the drug and substance abuse epidemic.