Residents voice concern over surge in drug peddling

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge residents are concerned about the increase in cases of drug peddling in the border town. In separate interviews yesterday, residents implored police to swiftly act on the matter, which they said had become a perennial problem.

Senator for Beitbridge Constituency Cde Tambudzani Mohadi said the abuse of drugs by the youths in the district had reached alarming levels.

“We are worried with the state of affairs regarding the rampant abuse of drugs by the youth in our town,” she said.
“It is sad to note that despite having information on the drug peddlers, the police are dragging their feet on the matter.

“Our appeal is for Government to intervene before we lose the young generation to this vice.”
Sen Mohadi said although members of the community were running a number of awareness programmes, the situation was fast getting out of hand.

She said drug problem needed an integrated approach and that it was critical for all the role players to complement each other.

Ufharana Youth Development Trust chairperson Mr Kudakwashe Garaipasi said the most common abused drugs include crystal meth, droshky, chimusoja, cocaine, glue, broncleer and embalming powder.

“We have been running a number of programmes around Beitbridge to counter the increase in drugs abuse, which in some cases results in fatalities,” he said.

“In essence, the issue is a social problem which affects everyone, with the youth being the worst victims.
“We believe that as young people, we are the leaders of tomorrow and hence we cannot fold our hands while people perish as a result of avoidable and controllable habits.”