Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
LOCAL residents have voiced strong support for Parliament’s proposed legislation to establish a National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency, describing it as a crucial step in tackling the country’s escalating drug crisis.
The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill seeks to create a specialised body to coordinate Zimbabwe’s response to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The agency will, not only enforce laws against illicit drugs, but also facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for affected individuals.
On Tuesday, the Joint Portfolio Committees on Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services; Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training; and the Senate Thematic Committee on Peace and Security conducted public consultations on the proposed agency, alongside the Biological and Toxins Weapons Crimes Bill, to gather community views.
According to the proposed legislation, the agency will consist of two main divisions: an enforcement division, which will work with the police and other security services to dismantle drug trafficking networks, and a social services intervention division, which will coordinate rehabilitation and social support for affected individuals.
Interviewed residents said the establishment of the agency will strengthen the fight against drug peddling and provide support for young people battling addiction, as drug abuse has become a major concern in many neighbourhoods.
Ms Tatenda Mukwecheni said the proposed agency will help to fight the drug scourge, which is threatening to destroy youths’ future. She added that there should be harsh and mandatory sentences for suppliers.
“Many young people are losing their future because of drugs. If Parliament sets up an agency dedicated to fighting this problem, it will help protect our communities. The initiative should also prioritise rehabilitation of affected people. Law enforcement alone is not enough. We need programmes that help those who are already addicted to recover and reintegrate into the society. The police are doing well in fighting drug peddling, but the fight will be more effective if there is an agency dedicated to deal with drug and substance issues on a daily basis. We are also advocating for a mandatory sentence, especially for drug suppliers. Harsher sentences should be passed so that they serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” she said.
Mr Luke Marimo, from Sakubva, said the proposed agency is expected to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, while supporting rehabilitation and prevention programmes, something that is currently lacking.
“Drug and substance abuse is now a scourge in our communities, and Government must move with speed to actualise this proposed agency. Drugs are contributing to rising crime, school dropouts and family breakdowns. The social fabric is under severe threat, and we applaud Government for the plan to set up an agency dedicated to fighting the proliferation of illegal drugs and substances. Currently, victims of drugs are left roaming the streets causing trouble because there are no public rehabilitation facilities. Ordinary people cannot afford to send their affected relatives to private facilities,” he said.
Turning to the Biological and Toxins Crimes Bill, participants urged Government to tightly control the manufacture and use of toxins, while supporting innovators to come up with biological products that help to grow the economy
