Drug abuse a menace in society

Paul Pindani in Chinhoyi

Drugs and substance abuse have now reached alarming levels in Chinhoyi, the top cop responsible for operations in Mashonaland West province, Assistant Commissioner, Arnold Makomo, has said.

Ass Comm Makomo is leading an anti-drugs campaign under the theme “See Something, Say Something” in the provincial capital.

He told H-Metro that drugs were now a menace.

“There has been an surge in dealing of dangerous drugs and illicit substances such as crystal meth, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy tablets, dagga known as mbanje, skin lightening creams, musombodhiya, tototo , kachasu and others.

“Some of these drugs are being smuggled into the country by drug syndicates while illicit substances are home-made.

“It is therefore common knowledge that this has negatively impacted on society through moral decadence, domestic violence, school drop outs, commission of heinous crimes, illness, health complications or even death in the worst case scenario,” said Asst Comm Makomo.

He also bemoaned the decadence of the moral fabric and said parents now neglected their parental roles.

“Parents no longer have time for their children. The aspect of parental guidance has now been left to teachers and police. It is very imperative for parents to take a leading role in reining in errant children if the fight against drug abuse is to be won.

“It is against this background that ZRP has seen it fit to call your organisations as key stakeholders to partner us in this operation aimed at mitigating the menace.”

He said the operation is being done simultaneously in the province.

“Police officers shall be deployed throughout the province to detect and bring to book all those involved in dangerous drugs and illicit substances.

“We therefore appeal for your maximum support and expertise where it is necessary in a bid to weed out culprits and syndicates,” he said.

Chairman of Business Against Crime (BAC), Musa Kombo, said it was important for the province to tame the scourge through such operations and awareness campaigns.

“We are losing future leaders to dangerous drugs and illicit substances,” said Kombo.

A nurse said she was happy that the police had taken the initiative to address the scourge.

“I am happy that the police have taken a leading role in creating awareness on the dangers of drugs and illicit substances,” she said.