BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The government has approved the setting up of a Security Service and specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency, as the country is currently battling with drug and substance use especially amongst the youths.
Briefing the media following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as coordinating efforts of other support services.
He also revealed that the “prevalence of drug and substance abuse has become a global issue and Zimbabwe has not been spared.
“Drug and Substance Abuse has become a threat to economic development, social harmony, health and wellbeing, public order and security.
“Cabinet has thus approved the Principles for the enactment of the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Agency Bill, 2024 that paves way for the establishment of an additional Security Service and specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency.
“The Agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as coordinating efforts of other support services,” said Minister Muswere.
Minister Muswere also reported that government continues to intensify its response against drug and substance abuse across the country.
“Since January 2024, about 6 148 people were arrested, 677 were suppliers and 5 471 were end-users.
“A total of 106 illegal drug and substance trading bases were identified, raided and destroyed in Harare, Shamva, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Bulawayo and Mutare. “Fifty-one liquor outlets were charged for operating without the correct licenses and while 268 operators were also arrested for violating license conditions, 17 outlets had their licenses cancelled for violating operating conditions.
“A total of 311 countrywide inspections on medicine outlets were conducted and 62 lines of medicines were confiscated.
“Awareness campaigns on drug and substance abuse are being accelerated targeting adults, youths and children.
“Cabinet has approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030 that outlines a comprehensive strategic approach to address the escalating threat of drug and substance abuse to public health, economic growth, national security, and social stability in Zimbabwe,” added Minister Muswere.
He also reported that the decentralization of the Drug and Narcotics Department will be expedited as cabinet also approved the review and updating of fine structure of the organization and directed that suppliers must be prosecuted through the courts and not through spot fines.
“Establishment of outpatient Psychosocial Support Centers and parenting groups countrywide as well as the purchase of psychotropic medicines and food provisions for rehabilitation centers will be expedited.”
It was also reported that empowering the youths remains critical hence the Youth Service training programme will start in June 2024 at Dadaya and Vumba Training Centres.
“In addition, as a key measure to reduce indulgence, ensuring financial inclusivity is being heightened and a total of USD20 000 has been loaned to youths across the country for income generating projects through the Empower Bank.”
