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Arron Nyamayaro
DRUG and substance abuse breeds a docile and non productive community which negatively impacts on national vision of attaining an upper middle in come class economy by year 2030, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, said this yesterday at the official hand over of Narcotics Analysis Equipment to the ZRP Forensic Laboratories from China.
“Today’s event comes on the heels of another milestone handover ceremony where China handed over to us the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden,” said Min Kazembe.
“Indeed, we remain grateful to the all-weather friendship exhibited by the Chinese people over the years.
“It burdens the economy as funds that could be used for other developmental purposes are channelled towards treatment and rehabilitation of those affected.
“It is therefore pleasing to note that, this analysis equipment will go a long way in strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies to identify drugs and improve detection levels.
“I am reliably informed that the equipment we are receiving today has the capacity to analyse traces of drugs as well as their components. “In addition, this equipment can also detect explosives and hazardous substances.”
He added:
“Such level of investigative sophistication is the much needed shot in the arm for our police officers as they wage the war on drugs.
“May I therefore take this opportunity to call upon society to also play its part in addressing this problem.
“As we may all be aware, drugs are being manufactured and traded in our communities under our very own watch but unfortunately, some of us have decided to turn a blind eye, with some even deciding to be part of the problem.”
He said it is common expectation from every citizen that, the police should also rise to the challenge when society is threatened by such problems which border on criminality.
“t is beyond any shadow of doubt that the equipment we are receiving today will make a huge difference and help the country rebuild the social fabric that is under serious threat from drug and substance abuse.
“If I may ask, is it not said and correctly so too that, for evil to triumph, it takes good people to do nothing?
“We, the law-abiding elders in society, therefore, have the responsibility to show our youth the way to go.
“As such, let us all be responsible and report drug peddlers, drug manufacturers and the drug abusers to responsible authorities.
“That way, we will be able to build a responsible society in which we will be comfortable to live and see our future generations thrive.
“I promise you, if we remain on the current trajectory, we are building a country devoid of moral and social fabric as drugs have the capacity to decimate all that,” he said.
Online Reporter