Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
MATABELELAND North Province has escalated its fight against drug and substance abuse with 269 peddlers and four suppliers arrested as authorities take a zero tolerance stance to curb the growing menace of drug abuse in its seven districts.
The province’s seven districts are Lupane, Binga, Tsholotsho, Hwange, Bubi, Nkayi and Umguza.
A taskforce chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage that, working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s CID Drugs and Narcotics Department conducted raids that recovered and seized drugs worth ZiG21 170 while arresting 265 end users consisting of 205 males and 60 females.
Addressing the media at his Mhlahlandlela Government Complex office on Friday, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Devolution and Provincial Affairs Richard Moyo said the province, just like the rest of the country, was battling a drug abuse scourge that is threatening to tear apart communities, especially young people.
“Matabeleland North Province is not spared from the problem of drug and substance abuse. Like all other provinces in the country, we continue to be affected by this challenge, which threatens the health, safety, productivity and future of our communities, particularly our young people,” he said.
“Working closely with traditional leaders, schools, churches, non-governmental organisations and other partners, we have sensitised communities on dangers of drug and substance abuse prevention measures and the available services.
“Our approach recognises that this is a societal challenge that requires the involvement of every sector and every citizen,” said Minister Moyo.
He said figures of drug peddlers and suppliers arrested since the start of the year shows that women are increasingly getting caught up in dealing in narcotics.
“The number of persons arrested for dealing in drugs stands at 269, consisting of 208 males and 61 females. Those under the age of 35 were 169, made up of 130 males and 39 females while those over 35 years were 100 representing 78 males and 22 females,” said the minister.
“The number of suppliers stands at four consisting of three males and one female while the number of end users was 265 (205 males and 60 females).
“About 30 people were referred to court were 30 while 239 individuals paid fines after admitting guilt in court. The total number of convictions was 16 made up of 13 males and three females,” said Minister Moyo.
Seized drugs include crystal meth, marijuana, Broncleer, a cough syrup that is abused by youths and various unregistered medicines.
Moyo said the province has adopted a ‘Whole of Government Approach’ to fight against drug and substance abuse that is anchored on seven pillars.
“The province identified potential drug and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane, Bubi and Tsholotsho districts. Government is working on the bill of quantities for the renovations of these facilities for the commencement of the works. Five Miles Hospital in Hwange District has been identified as another rehabilitation facility,” he said.
Authorities are also working at equipping the CID Drugs and Narcotics Department with more resources such as a station vehicle for easy mobility to make more arrests and surveillance equipment and scanners to detect drugs especially at the Victoria Falls International Airport.
The fight against drug and substance abuse is, however, being hindered by few available rehabilitation centres in the province.
“The province has one rehabilitation facility in Chinotimba in Victoria Falls. The facility is currently functioning as a day care due to lack of resources.
“This facility admits patients during the day, where they receive professional counselling, medical attention, psychological support and life skills training. This model enables patients to access treatment while remaining connected to their families and communities, which is also critical for recovery and reintegration,” he said.
