GOVERNMENT’S law enforcement agents recently raided and arrested drug peddlers in Mbare, Harare, with Youth Empowerment and Development minister Tinoda Machakaire saying narcotics distributors have contributed to the “death” of the country.
Zimbabwe is experiencing widespread drug and substance abuse, primarily among young people, who are frustrated by the harsh economic climate and a scarcity of jobs.
Government has declared war on drug lords and users, launching a national anti-drug operation called No To Dangerous Drugs and Illicit Substances; If you see something, say something.
Speaking after witnessing the arrest of drug peddlers following a tip-off by the Angel of Hope Foundation Rehabilitation Centre (AHFRC) inmates in Mbare, Machakaire bemoaned the rise in drug and substance abuse cases in the country.
“We are very thankful today, we are at the AHFRC. Through this programme, which the first lady introduced, we realised that there are youths who are taking drugs.
“After some interviews were conducted, some confessed that they were buying drugs and we asked them where they were getting them.
We took the police to the drug den, but some of the drug peddlers escaped. But we managed to catch these two. Before being caught, one of them came to me asking for drugs; he thought that I was one of the sellers, which is how he got arrested.”
Machakaire said the drug lords were usually arrested but returned on the streets after being released, adding that they were killing the country.
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Recent reports confirmed the overwhelming number of drug and substance abuse victims approaching the first lady’s rehabilitation centre in Mbare, with over 600 victims still in the process of finding their way to the centre.
Machakaire commended tip-offs for helping in the arrest of drug peddlers and encouraged communities to continue doing so, in a bid to eradicate drug peddlers' trafficking networks.
He said drug and substance abuse victims at the AHFRC would acquire vocational skills.
“At the centre, those admitted will be supported with life-changing programmes including vocational skills training and other important services to help them to rebuild their lives.
“We saw the intake of several individuals starting their journey to recovery. During the visit, one of them tipped us off about a nearby drug base,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police responded quickly and took immediate action. This shows how community vigilance saves lives.
“I want to commend the First Lady for her dedication, thank the ZRP for their swift response and applaud members of the public who speak out to expose these dangerous networks.
“To our youth, your future is too precious to be wasted on drugs and harmful substances. Let us stand together and fight this scourge. Together we can protect our communities and build a brighter future.”
Meanwhile, in a recent post-Cabinet briefing, Information minister Jenfan Muswere said rehabilitation centres were being constructed across the country.
“Chinotimba Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Victoria Falls in Matabeleland North province was completed and is now operational; while Wilkins Drug Rehabilitation Centre has reached 95% of completion,” he said.
