Staff Reporter
Government has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuseduring the period between September 2024 and January 2025.
In a statement during the Post-Cabinet Briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, provided extensive details on the progress achieved in the fight against drugs.
“We have taken decisive action, with 79 illegal drug bases destroyed and a total of 9,527 offenders arrested. Of those arrested 616 were suppliers, while 8,911 were end-users, reflecting our commitment to addressing both the distribution and consumption of illegal substances.
There is a successful collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, which led to the arrest of three individuals in Zambia who were found carrying 23 kilograms of dagga,”Minister Muswere added
Muswere also highlighted the broader prevention efforts, which have reached millions of people.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has integrated drug and substance abuse prevention into the school curriculum, benefiting 7,274,939 learners across the country. Additionally, 62,656 students participated in drug abuse prevention programs through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education,” he said
Minister Muswere also noted the role of various government ministries and organizations in spreading awareness.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development conducted programs that reached 111,537 people, while religious organizations educated 16,759 congregants on the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.
Making reference to Government efforts onrehabilitation projects, Minister Muswere reported the establishment of three new drug rehabilitation centers in Victoria Falls, Harare, and Kwekwe.
“These new centers are part of our ongoing commitment to providing support to those affected by drug abuse. Government also calls for further investment in rehabilitation services, the private sector and the Zimbabwean diaspora should alsocontribute to the establishment of additional centers,” he urged.
Furthermore, Government is also focused on reintegration programs, with 13,695 people currentlyreceiving psycho-social support.
“We are proud to announce that 886 individuals have been reintegrated into their families, while 6,695 parents have attended sessions aimed at improving family dynamics and support,” Muswere added.
Minister Muswere concluded by reaffirming Government’s ongoing commitment to reviewing legislation to address drug and substance abuse more effectively.
“The Government of Zimbabwe continues to review current legislation to ensure that our strategies remain relevant and effective in dealing with the growing challenge of drug abuse,” he said.
The update reflects a coordinated national response that combines law enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and community support to tackle the widespread issue of drug abuse.
