CABINET COMMENDS ARREST OF DRUG LORDS

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3 years ago admin

By Staff Writer

Cabinet has commended the swift response by the country’s security forces which have ensured the arrest of the illicit substance and drug lords.

This follows the setting up of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on addressing substance abuse menace among the youth.

In his report to Cabinet yesterday the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Paul Mavima who is the Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee highlighted that in response to the menace, a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach has been adopted in order to arrest the situation.

“This includes intensification of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, reduction of demand and elimination of supply and availability of illicit and over the counter substances and drugs on the market. The capacities, efficiency and activities of the police, justice and customs department will be complemented and strengthened.”

Over 200 culprits involved in the trade of illicit substances and drug lords have been arrested while anyone who dares to continue will face the full wrath of the law.

Cabinet advised the public that in the short term the operationalization of the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan (ZNDMP 2020 to 2025) and Treatment and Rehabilitation Guidelines of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder of Zimbabwe (TRGASUD ZIM) and identifying and upgrading existing mental health institutions that can admit affected children, youths and adults including a dedicated child psychiatric hospital in each province until they have recovered will be done.
Operation Clean up Harare Ghetto will continue and be code named Operation Clean Up Zimbabwe and extended to every part of the country with a focus to frustrating the activities of the criminal groups and neutralize drug and substance abuse will also be embarked on.
In the medium term a review of the National Policy on Drug and Substance abuse and amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act which is up to date with the current illicit drug being abused in the country to increase penalties on drug and substance abuse sentencing is expected to be done while an establishment of a National Call Centre for drug and substance abuse which will provide online psychosocial support and related information.

The Cabinet noted that media plays a critical role in increasing outreach and awareness raising through theatre, arts, edutainment, music and other multimedia platforms.