Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Government’s intensified crackdown on drug abuse is proving effective, with over 50 drug dens dismantled and more than 10,000 individuals arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in connection with the trafficking of drugs and substances since the start of the year.
ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed this positive development in an exclusive interview with ZBC News on Sunday.
“This is a coordinated approach, as highlighted in the recent cabinet briefing. The numbers speak for themselves, over 10 000 arrests have been made across the country,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
“The message from the ministerial task force which is steering the fight against drug and substance abuse, is clear. We are pleased with the progress made in the past few weeks in terms of arrests and convictions, indicating that the national action plan launched by the government is having an impact.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa issued a strong call for all drug lords to be held accountable during his address to youths and delegates at the National Youth Day celebrations in Bulawayo.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, and Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, urged young people to reject drugs and stay away from substance abuse.
The government remains committed to combating drug and substance abuse across the country, with the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan focusing on addressing the public health, socio-economic, and national security challenges posed by such issues.
