Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
POLICE Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has applauded the National Taskforce on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, saying it has been a game-changer in the fight against drugs as well as enhancing coordination of efforts across ministries.
He said this during commemorations of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Chitungwiza today.
“In the same spirit, today, we join nations worldwide in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,” Comm Gen Mutamba said.
“The theme for 2026, “The World Drug Problem; Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses but a public health imperative that demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“This global commemoration underscores the interconnectedness of our struggle. The drugs that destroy our youths in Chitungwiza are often trafficked across borders, fuelled by international syndicates that prey on our vulnerabilities.
“While our response should also address the international dimension, it must be founded on robust local mechanisms, rooted in our communities, and driven by our determination to protect our children.”
He said that, as the police, they were playing their part towards enhancing the efficacy of the whole-of-government approach.
“We are a key pillar of His Excellency’s Government-wide approach to tackling drug abuse,” Comm Gen Mutamba said.
“The establishment of the National Taskforce on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Defence OCZ Muchinguri Kashiri, has been a game-changer.
“Through this taskforce, we have seen enhanced coordination of efforts across ministries. The National Drug Testing Programme, spearheaded by the Abused Substances Diagnostics and Management Project, is training health workers to ensure accurate testing and evidence-based interventions are implemented.
“This is not just about arresting drug users it is about early detection, prevention, and rehabilitation.”
He said the taskforce’s blueprint on drug abuse prioritises prevention, early detection, treatment, and harm reduction. Comm Gen Mutamba said as police, they dovetail into this framework by ensuring law enforcement efforts complement the health and social interventions.
Comm Gen Mutamba urged the community to report drug peddlers. Provide information to the police. Our National Complaints Desk is available on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or tip offs at your nearest police station.
Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said they have put in place adequate measures to arrest all those involved in drug peddling and abuse.
He said notable arrests have been made in and around Harare, with some of the criminals now serving various jail terms while others still have their cases pending before the courts.
CID Drugs and Narcotics Business Against Drug and Substances Abuse Forum Mr Moses Chidindi also said, “Our role is on resource mobilisation towards effort in fighting drug and substance abuse.
“Cooperation with other stakeholders with similar structures to transmit anti drug related information to promote resistance to the uptake of drugs and substances by communities.
“Community engagement in conjunction with CID drugs and Narcotics on sensitaisation,outstretch programs and educational campaigns.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa