Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
The Government has scaled up its aggressive, multi-pronged offensive against drug and substance abuse, arresting over 1,400 suspects and dismantling dozens of illegal drug havens between March and June, a Cabinet Minister has said.
This forms part of a broader strategy that combines law enforcement, youth empowerment, and prevention initiatives.
Speaking during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said Cabinet considered a comprehensive report covering the period from 12 March to 2 June 2025, which reflects significant strides made through a whole-of-government approach to tackle the crisis.
“A cumulative 206 raids were conducted nationwide, leading to the dismantling of 39 illicit drug bases and the arrests of 1,445 suspects. The Liquor Licensing Board inspected 461 premises, 429 of which were licensed. The 32 premises that were found to be unlicensed were each fined US$40,” said Dr Muswere.
However, Dr Muswere emphasised that the fight is not just about arrests and raids.
“In another milestone development, 1,907 youths graduated under the Youth Service in Zimbabwe, while 1,844 — including 70 survivors of drug and substance use — are undergoing training.
“The line ministries carried out campaigns against drug and substance abuse as follows: the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reached out to 1,082,875 pupils; the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development engaged 24,364 young persons; and through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, 305 youths benefited from Green Jobs.
“In addition, 662 heifers, 31,000 chicks, and 890,000 fingerlings were distributed under one of the ongoing Presidential Empowerment Schemes targeting the youths.”
President Mnangagwa has championed efforts to combat the scourge, which he has described as a menace to both the country and the region.
Global trends indicate that the abuse of drugs and harmful substances results in 3.3 million deaths each year, with at least 15.3 million persons having drug use disorders.
As a result, approximately 60 percent of patients admitted to mental health institutions suffer from drug use disorders.
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