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Court Reporter
LAW enforcement agents have recovered dangerous drugs and substances worth $28 million, with nearly 200 suppliers having been arrested around the country between January and October this year, Cabinet announced yesterday.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said 575 people have been arrested so far.
“Cabinet received and considered a report on the drug and substance abuse among children, youth and the general population as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Professor Paul Mavima as Chair of the Inter Ministerial Taskforce,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“The taskforce’s efforts are targeted at reducing harm and demand while increasing treatment, rehabilitation and engendering community and social integration.
“The nation is informed that a total of 575 accused persons were arrested, of which 192 were suppliers and 383 were end users. Additionally, through effective surveillance, law enforcement agents managed to seize and recover drugs and substances to the tune of $28 million.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said about 360 people were hospitalised between January and October this year as a result of drug abuse.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare is now working with various stakeholders around the country to put in place programmes and mechanisms aimed at reintegrating drug abuse survivors back into communities.
Sixteen anti-drug and substance abuse campaigns were conducted through various platforms, including the media, said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Regarding treatment and rehabilitation, a total of 359 patients were hospitalised between January 2021 to 31 October 2021.
“Pertaining to community and social reintegration, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare is working with stakeholders who are implementing parenting programmes.
“The parenting club’s strategy aims to create ease in reintegration once a survivor has been discharged from treatment. Resuscitation of Family Clubs serves as preventive mechanisms as they instil positive parenting through community structures,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said through Government interventions, about 175 men and 97 women who were resuscitated from drug abuse since January this year.
She explained that the Ministry, through the Department of Social Development, utilises the National Case Management System in the identification, referral and case management of survivors of drug and substance abuse.
Online Reporter