Speaking at today’s cabinet press briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere informed that Cabinet has agreed to establish two pillars which will deal with the legal and finance issues as well as establish more rehabilitation centers.
“Cabinet has agreed that two pillars dealing with legal and policy issues and finance and resource mobilization will be constituted and also that all idle Provincial COVID-19 isolation facilities will be converted into multi-sectoral drug rehabilitation centres,” said Minister Muswere
The Minister also advised that Cabinet will appoint a National Coordinator of Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Drug Abuse and also resume capacitation of sub national structures.
“Dr. Agnes Mahomva will be appointed as the National Coordinator of Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Drugs and Substance Abuse and Cabinet is to urgently resume capacitation of sub-national structures including traditional leaders and religious group leadership on drug and substance abuse.
All citizens are urged to participate in the efforts at all levels as consultations are happening across the country,” the Minister added
Furthermore, Minister Muswere encouraged members of the media to stay on guard and report any drug peddlers to authorities and also amplify anti-drug abuse messages.
“Members of the media have a shared responsibility to identify the networks distributors and inform the nation on the types, effects and bases of the criminal networks of drug peddlers within the communities and expose such criminals. All media organizations should also accelerate anti-drug abuse messages across all communities,” Minister Muswere urged.
Meanwhile the National Committee has been frequently meeting in light of the observed increases in cases of drug and substance abuse and a total of about 10 000 arrests have been made against drug peddlers, dealers and suppliers.