Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
ABOUT 19 632 suspected drug peddlers and users were arrested countrywide last year, signalling a 41 percent increase from the 13 942 nabbed in 2024.
Of the total arrests, 17 028 were referred to court for prosecution, as the country deepens its fight against drug and substance abuse.
In a statement yesterday, Chairperson of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, who is also Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri‑Kashiri, said 216 drug and substance bases were also destroyed across the country.
“Drug and substance abuse remains one of the most complex and destabilising public health, social, economic and national security concerns,” she said.
“Its impacts undermine human capital development, family cohesion, community safety and productivity, threatening our final lap towards Vision 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2.” She commended President Mnangagwa for the astute guidance provided through the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Action Plan (2024–2030).
Through the blueprint, Minister Muchinguri‑Kashiri said the nation continues to undertake a co‑ordinated, whole‑of‑Government and whole‑of‑society response anchored on seven strategic pillars.
She highlighted that the Supply Reduction pillar is responsible for suppressing and dismantling illicit drug production, trafficking and distribution networks through law enforcement and regulatory control.
There has been an abolishment of spot fines for violations of the Liquor Act [Chapter 14:12], with all offenders now referred to the courts for prosecution where they face stiffer penalties.
Notably, the Minister said that for the period under review, the majority of offenders were under 35 years, reaffirming youth vulnerability as a key national concern.
Meanwhile, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) conducted 664 inspections, cancelled 15 licences, and referred 177 cases for prosecution.
“Inspectors received capacity‑building training in all 10 provinces. A total of 90 nationwide awareness initiatives were carried out, including the festive‑season campaign,” Minister Muchinguri‑Kashiri said.
She noted that the Demand Reduction pillar aims to prevent initiation into drug use through education, awareness, youth empowerment and socio‑economic resilience.
The interventions reached 8 495 819 people nationwide, a 49 percent increase from 5.7 million in 2024, reflecting expanded coverage across schools, communities, media platforms and grassroots structures.
Economic empowerment as a prevention strategy was scaled up, with 25 531 individuals benefiting from vocational and livelihood training. At least 2 400 youths were reached through targeted skills outreach programmes.
She said agricultural, fish‑farming and goat‑improvement projects were initiated.
The Presidential Youth Empowerment Programme disbursed a US$2 million revolving fund, provided mobility aids to youths with disabilities, and was reinforced by a national symposium officiated by President Mnangagwa.
Turning to the Harm Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation pillar, Minister Muchinguri‑Kashiri said it is mandated to reduce the harmful effects of drug and substance abuse through the provision of treatment and rehabilitation services.
Under this pillar, key achievements include the commissioning of the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre and the operationalisation of the Wilkins Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
In a related development, the Minister announced an increase in national rehabilitation facilities from 48 in 2024 to 139 last year.
The committee has established testing and treatment centres at Copacabana, Tsiga, Matapi and Old Highfield in Harare.
“Additionally, we now have 102 facilities identified across the country earmarked for conversion to offer testing, treatment and rehabilitation services. Sixty‑eight of these are Government‑owned, while 33 are owned by various church organisations,” the Minister noted.
At least 192 traffic police officers have been trained in the use of modern breathalyser devices to clamp down on drunken driving.
