adminproblem is rife among high school pupils.
The Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera, said yesterday that the pupils would be informed about the dangers of drug abuse during the campaign.
He was speaking at the belated annual commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Harare.
“With more and more people being introduced to drugs, it is vital to provide factual information about the dangers,” said Dr Madzorera.
Some of the targeted schools include Prince Edward, Allan Wilson, Domboramwari High, Glen Norah High 1, Tafara High, Dzivarasekwa 1 and 2 and Highfield Mhuriimwe.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked annually on 26 June.
This year’s belated commemoration ran under the theme: “Think health and not drugs”.
Dr Madzorera said more young people were being introduced to drugs and once youths were hooked, it was difficult for them to stop.
“Among the most abused drug is cannabis because it is grown locally and smuggled in large quantities from neighbouring countries,” he said.
Drug abuse statistics show that an estimated 200 million people consume illegal drugs internationally.
Chief Superintendent CID Drugs Section, Luckson Mukazhi, said the police had impounded five kilogrammes of heroine so far this year, compared to zero during the same period last year.
He said for cocaine, at least 33 kgs have been impounded so far this year, with 293 kgs having been confiscated the whole of last year.
“We have information that a cough mixture, bron cleer is being abused by commuter omnibus drivers and their conductors and investigations on that are underway,” said Chief Supt Mukazhi.
He appealed to the Government to install scanners that detect drugs at all the country’s ports of entry.
Online Reporter