Police warn drug lords

H-Metro Reporter

POLICE in Harare on Friday embarked on an awareness campaign against drug abuse by the youths.

The police said they will not hesitate to arrest all drug paddlers to combat the scourge.

Led by the Officer Commanding Harare Suburban District, Chief Superintendent Raudzi Tshuma, the police visited parts of the city as part of the campaign.

“This campaign bears testimony to our commitment to stop drug and substance abuse,” she said.

“Our determination as ZRP Harare Suburban is to strengthen cooperation of all stakeholders towards the achievement of a society free of drug and substance abuse.

“Let me hasten to say we have various legislations on drug use and control, which shows the highest level of commitment in taming the vice,” she said.

Chief Supt Tshuma said drug abuse was a growing public health and security problem in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare.

“The increase of violent crimes, unintentional injuries, road traffic accidents, multiple medical complications, as well as psychological and mental health complications, was linked to drug and substance abuse,” she said.

“Drug abuse has continued to claim the precious lives of our people, and that includes able-bodied men and women with the potential of steering national development.

“Of concern now is also the initiation of children, as young as nine years, into drug and substance abuse resulting in juvenile suicides.”

She said they had reports of children taking Jolly Juice and fermenting cereals such as Cerevita corn and wheat, Movite and cornflakes into illegal, highly intoxicating brews.

“As if it is not enough, boys and girls are also abusing sex enhancing medicines.”

Chief Supt Tshuma said community support remained extremely important in the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and embracing those addicted to substance abuse.

She urged people to provide information on the negative socio-economic effects of substance abuse to bring about the much-needed behavioural changes.

“Let me reiterate to you that as the police, we will not hesitate to arrest, without fear or favour, all drug paddlers in order to effectively kill the drug supply.”