Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo, [email protected]
DRUGS and illicit substances worth ZiG80 million have been confiscated as the Government intensifies efforts to disrupt illegal drug supply networks, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
In addition to the seizures, authorities have recorded significant progress in tackling drug abuse, including thousands of arrests and convictions, the dismantling of drug bases and major confiscations of illegal substances.
A total of 2 889 accused persons have so far been arraigned before the courts, with 381 convictions secured.
Law enforcement agencies have also dismantled approximately 453 drug suppliers, identified 2 436 individual end-users and shut down 31 drug bases in selected districts in Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces.
Authorities have also moved to protect vulnerable groups, with 32 children living and working on the streets removed from such environments.
The confiscated drugs include crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy tablets, dagga, khat and unregistered medicines such as cough syrups.
Cabinet yesterday received and approved an update on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, presented by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in her capacity as Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse.
“The Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse is implementing a Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), which is tailored to mitigate and ultimately eliminate the drug and substance abuse scourge in Zimbabwe.
“The Committee coordinates actions across Government Ministries, law enforcement agencies and the private sector and seeks to achieve set targets through seven strategic pillars as follows: Supply Chain Reduction; Demand Reduction and Prevention; Harm Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation; Psychosocial Support and Community Re-integration; Resource Mobilisation and Economic Strengthening; Media and Communication; and Legal and Policy Reforms,” said Minister Soda.
He added that the Committee has intensified regulatory enforcement, including conducting inspections across the country’s provinces. A total of 615 liquor-licensed premises were inspected, while 36 unlicensed outlets were fined and shut down.
Other measures include widespread awareness and prevention campaigns that have reached 285 918 people, the procurement of drug-testing kits and the reintegration of 171 children with their families.
“Community-based prevention systems are underway, while vibrant drug rehabilitation, training and entrepreneurship programmes have been rolled out to approximately 37 937 youths and women. A US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund has also been launched.
“Government continues to spearhead the legislative and policy framework in order to strengthen coordination, accountability, prevention, rehabilitation, treatment and enforcement interventions,” said Minister Soda.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also noted and approved a report on Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2027 in Belgrade, Serbia, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira.
Expo 2027 Belgrade is a specialised global exhibition held between World Expos, focusing on a specific theme of human development — in this case, “Play for Humanity”.
The event is structured around three sub-themes: Power of Play; Play for Progress; and Play Together. It will be hosted in the Balkan region for the first time and is expected to attract more than 4,1 million visitors from over 120 countries and international organisations.
“Participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade offers Zimbabwe a cost-effective, high visibility platform to promote Brand Zimbabwe, attract investment and strengthen diplomatic ties across European and global markets.
“The country will benefit through engagement and participation with global innovation programmes, showcasing Zimbabwe’s creative sector as both a cultural asset and an emerging economic driver. Youth participation at the Expo will be vigorously promoted in various activities at the Expo,” said Dr Soda.
