Fight against drug abuse blitz nets 123 in Bulawayo

A TOTAL of 123 people were arrested in the first two weeks of May in Bulawayo as Government intensifies the fight against drug and substance abuse in the province.

The coordinated efforts seek to cut off the supply of narcotics into communities and bring to justice individuals involved in the peddling of harmful substances blamed for destroying lives.

From over 120 individuals arrested in the blitz spearheaded by the police, 79 were fined after admitting to the use or selling of drugs and illegal substances while 14 were prosecuted by the courts and 12 were fined and cautioned.

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, revealed this during a Press conference yesterday, where she briefed the media on efforts being taken by the Government to curb the scourge.

“Bulawayo continues to scale up efforts aimed at addressing the challenge of drug and substance abuse through strengthened coordination, enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation interventions in line with Zimbabwe’s National Drug and Substance Abuse Plan,” she said.

“During the first two weeks of May 2026, collaborative interventions were intensified through the key pillars of supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as community reintegration and stakeholder coordination.

“A total of 123 individuals were arrested for offences related to drug and substance abuse. Of the accused, 79 were fined by ZRP, while 14 were prosecuted and 12 were fined by the courts.”

Minister Ncube said raids on drug dens will continue to be conducted, with authorities relying on intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify drug and substance abuse hotspot areas, with the ultimate goal of dismantling drug distribution bases in the communities.

“A total of 9 147 people were reached through awareness campaigns conducted in primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, as well as in communities. There has been increased coverage of awareness activities, particularly at ward level, where trained focal persons have been actively conducting regular sensitisation sessions through various community platforms,” she said.

Of concern to Government, drugs continue to ravage communities, as evidenced by the number of individuals who were admitted into health and mental care institutions.

“Seventy-one individuals were admitted for medical treatment and rehabilitation services while 70 people received psychosocial support and counselling services, in support of recovery, reintegration and mental well-being,” said Minister Ncube.

She said local and national media platforms were being utilised to disseminate awareness messages on drug and substance abuse, including available support services, so that communities are aware where to get assistance for affected relatives and friends.

Minister Ncube said the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce is working collaboratively with Bulawayo Polytechnic and Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in the training of focal persons drawn from various Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAS) at provincial, district and ward levels.

“This initiative is aimed at strengthening basic counselling capacity on drug and substance abuse, expand community-level response structures, improving early identification and referral systems and extending structured support mechanisms into workplaces across both public and private sectors,” she said.

Government is, however, concerned about the proliferation of unregistered rehabilitation facilities that are operating outside approved regulatory frameworks.

“These pose risks to affected individuals and undermine standardised care. Relevant authorities will continue to intensify monitoring, inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with national standards,” said Minister Ncube.

“The fight against drug and substance abuse requires a united, proactive and continuous response from all sectors of society.”