Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Harare Metropolitan Province is holding a three-day drug and substance abuse workshop at the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM) in Darwendale, bringing together representatives from Government ministries, departments, agencies and members of various drug and substance abuse response pillars.
The workshop, which began on Monday, is focusing on strengthening strategies to combat the growing drug and substance abuse crisis affecting communities, particularly young people.
During the meeting, the Supply Reduction Pillar, led by Detective Andrew Muzhanje, the Zimbabwe Republic Police District Community Liaison Officer, and officers from the Harare District CID Drugs and Narcotics Section, presented detailed findings on drug trafficking routes and methods used to smuggle illicit substances into Southern Africa and Zimbabwe.
With support from CID Narcotics, the presentation highlighted the sophistication of international drug trafficking syndicates and the increasing threat posed by networks operating from South America and the Middle East through parts of East Africa.
Participants heard that some of these routes are controlled by dangerous criminal and terrorist-linked groups that facilitate the movement of drugs from coastal entry points to inland destinations.
The workshop also raised concerns over the alarming age at which children are being introduced to drugs and substance abuse, with some cases now being traced to primary school learners.
Delegates expressed concern that some vendors operating near schools are allegedly selling products such as Sherbet and Jolly Juice, which are reportedly being used in the manufacture of illicit alcoholic brews.
The meeting further heard that commonly used household products, including Cerevita and Mazoe, are also being misused in the production of illegal alcoholic concoctions.
As a result, some boarding schools have begun considering or implementing restrictions on the possession and use of such products within school premises as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.
Stakeholders at the workshop stressed the need for enhanced community awareness campaigns, stronger law enforcement interventions and closer cooperation between schools, parents and communities to protect children from the dangers of drugs and substance abuse.
Participants noted that drug and substance abuse continues to destroy lives, families and communities by affecting physical health, mental well-being and productivity.
They warned that the scourge is also contributing to crime, school dropouts, poverty and the loss of future opportunities for many young people, making coordinated intervention critical.
