The Zimbabwean Government will enact legislation to bolster its fight against drug and substance abuse, a cabinet minister has said.
Zimbabwe faced the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse by youths in recent years. This prompts the government to step up efforts to combat the scourge.
The government has since established an inter-ministerial task force chaired by Defense Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri.
It spearheaded several joint efforts to curb the scourge, including conducting frequent raids on drug suppliers, dealers and peddlers.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, addressed a post-cabinet media briefing, on Wednesday.
Muswere said the task force arrested 5,367 drug offenders between July 7 and Sept. 23.
This is an increase from 4,328 drug offenders arrested for the whole of 2022.
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The government has established drugs and narcotics units at major ports of entry to curtail the inflow of drugs.
It has also increased surveillance on licensed liquor outlets as well as raising public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, Muswere added.
“Going forward, the Cabinet agreed to enact the relevant legislation for the establishment of a Drug Elimination Agency.
“The proposed agency will govern and coordinate all national activities on drug and substance abuse,” he said.
The government, the minister said, will convert all idle provincial COVID-19 isolation facilities into multi-sectoral drug rehabilitation centres.
“This is one of the measures to strengthen its anti-drug and substance abuse programme.” (Xinhua)
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