Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
GOVERNMENT has revealed that 9527 drug offenders have been arrested while 79 drug bases have been destroyed between September 1 last year and January 31 this year.
The issue of drugs and substance abuse has been a very topical one in the country.
The Government has committed itself to deal with the people at the heart of the distribution chain of drugs while also ensuring the rehabilitation of the youths who have been addicted to the drugs.
Speaking during the post-cabinet briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said:
“Cabinet wishes to advise the nation that during the period 1 September 2024 to 31 January 2025, 79 illegal drug bases were destroyed, with a total of 9 527 offenders arrested.
“Of this total, 616 were suppliers while 8 911 were end users.”
Dr Muswere said collaboration with international law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of three people carrying 23 kilogrammes of dagga in Zambia.
“The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe conducted 117 inspections and closed five non-compliant premises.
“Cabinet approved the proposal for Ratification of the SADC Inter-State Protocol on the Transfer of Sentenced Offenders.
“The Protocol seeks to facilitate the transfer of sentenced offenders from foreign territories they would be serving prison sentences, to enable them to serve the remaining sentences in their home countries.
“Ratification of the Protocol demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to international cooperation and adherence to global norms and also strengthens Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relations with other SADC member states.”
Mathew Masinge