Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
THE fight against drug and substance abuse is intensifying in Matabeleland North Province, with authorities adopting a coordinated whole-of-government approach that has already led to hundreds of arrests.
The province has stepped up operations under a seven-pillar strategy involving law enforcement agencies and communities to curb the growing drug menace.
The crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 269 suspects, most of them youths, while police have also recovered illegal substances valued at more than ZiG21 000.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Minister Richard Moyo said the operations are being spearheaded under the Supply Reduction Pillar led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police CID Drugs and Narcotics unit.
“Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the ZRP CID Drugs and Narcotics Department, a total of 269 accused persons were arrested during operations targeting suppliers and users of illegal substances,” he said.
“Statistics show that 208 of those arrested were males, while 61 were females. Young people under the age of 35 accounted for the highest number of arrests, with 169 suspects falling within that category.”
Minister Moyo said four suspects were identified as drug suppliers, while the remainder were end users.
“Thirty accused persons were referred to court, while 239 paid deposit fines. So far, 16 convictions have been recorded,” he added.
Authorities also seized various illegal substances during the operations.
“Numerous drugs were recovered and seized, including crystal meth, dagga, BronCleer and unregistered medicines,” Minister Moyo said.
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified anti-drug awareness campaigns across communities as part of broader efforts to educate the public, particularly youths, on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
