Drug peddling security risk

In a message to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Zimbabwe Drug and Alcohol Combating (ZIDAC) drug consultant, Mr Joseph Jabangwe, said there was a need to mobilise everyone to fight the influx of dangerous substances.

“There is a need to mobilise everybody, the police, the army, schoolchildren, youths, workers, NGOs, churches and individuals to take part in street campaigns. The message must be clear — combat dangerous substances to save the health of our children, our economy and our sovereignty.”

Drug smugglers use Zimbabwe as a transit point into South Africa and other countries in the region. There is growing concern over the problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking among the youth in the country.

The drugs include mbanje, ecstasy, heroine, mandrax and cocaine. Abused substances include illegally imported cough mixtures “Bronco,” inhalants, tobacco and alcohol.
Drug trafficking, once viewed largely as a social and criminal problem, has transformed in recent years into a major threat to the health and security of people across the world.
Mr Jabangwe said it was important for the country to strengthen its strategies to co-ordinate and respond to illicit drugs and organised crime.