The government has apprehended more than 3 000 people and dismantled dozens of drug bases as part of a nationwide crackdown targeting both suppliers and users, officials say.
Presenting a report to Cabinet on Tuesday, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the National Response to Drug and Substance Abuse said the operation was beginning to yield results.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the National Response to Drug and Substance Abuse has to date achieved significant progress in mitigating and ultimately eliminating the drug and substance abuse scourge in Zimbabwe,” she said.
According to the report, 3 193 suspects were arrested during the period under review, including 461 suppliers and 2 731 end-users.
“A total of 2 113 accused persons were arraigned before the courts while 493 convictions were secured,” Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
“Fifty-two drug bases were dismantled countrywide as part of efforts to disrupt supply networks.”
The government says the crackdown is part of a broader strategy focused on cutting supply chains, strengthening law enforcement and expanding rehabilitation services.
“Our strategic thrust is centred mainly on supply reduction, rehabilitation and legal enforcement efforts, and these interventions are already yielding benefits in disrupting illicit drug supply chains,” she said.
Authorities have also tightened oversight of controlled medicines, conducting inspections at 419 public and private health institutions.
“Twenty-nine premises were fined and closed for non-compliance, as part of measures to strengthen oversight in the distribution of controlled substances,” she said.
The government is now looking to strengthen its long-term response through institutional reforms.
“The government seeks to strengthen the institutional arrangement for drug enforcement and psycho-social support services through the establishment of a specialised National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency,” Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
Officials say rehabilitation centres are being established across the country alongside public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing demand, as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with growing drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
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