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Latwell Nyangu
OVER 2000 people have been arrested in connection with drug and substance abuse while 48 bases have been raided and destroyed in six provinces.
The joint operation, involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the police, has also seen 724 liquor premises being inspected and 124 outlet owners were arrested for violating licence conditions.
Speaking during the Post Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said:
“The fight against the scourge of drug and substance abuse is continuing across all provinces of the country.
“Monitoring, surveillance and law enforcement activities continue with a total of 2 373 individuals having been arrested while 48 bases were identified, raided and destroyed in six provinces, namely: Harare (10), Manicaland (25), Mashonaland Central (6), Matabeleland North (3), Mashonaland West (2) and Midlands (2).
“Joint operations involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, were conducted resulting in 724 liquor premises being inspected, out of which 124 outlet owners were arrested for violating licence conditions.
“Cabinet also approved the upward review of the fine from Level 5 of US$30 to Level 7, which is US$400, or the ZIG equivalent or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.”
Minister Muswere said over 20000 youths were also sensitised on the dangers of drug abuse.
“A total of 25 792 youths were sensitised on anti-drug and substance abuse-related matters in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North and Manicaland provinces, while in the education sector a total of 569 969 learners were sensitised through special assemblies, in collaboration with the Victim Friendly Unit, Guidance and Counselling interactive sessions, sporting activities and peer education.
“Crystal Meth has been designated as a dangerous drug.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development sensitised 14 951 people in all the provinces through various platforms such as campaigns against social ills such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), Child Marriages, HIV/AIDS, Internal Savings and Lending, Financial Literacy, Ward meetings and gender sensitisation meetings were held in collaboration with sister Ministries and Development Partners.”
A total of 16 529 people were capacitated on various income generating projects such as poultry, detergent-making, drink-making, packaging, branding and perfume-making.
“It is pleasing to note that some religious organisations have embraced the fight against drug and substance abuse through campaigns encouraging particularly the youths to live drug-free lives.
“The Empower Bank capacitated youths across the country by providing them with starter packs.
“A total of 101 youths were trained under the revamped Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme while more youths are expected to be enrolled following the launch by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa at Nhakiwa, in the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District of Mashonaland East Province on 24 May, 2024.”
Online Reporter