TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
HARARE – In a move to combat the escalating drug abuse and addiction crisis gripping the country, Zimbabwe’s government issued a stern warning to drug peddlers on Wednesday, vowing to bring them to justice.
 |
| Government sends strong warning to drug peddlers that they will face the full wrath of the law in 2024 |
The National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, chaired by Oppah Muchinguri, announced that enhanced measures are being implemented to identify and penalize drug peddlers, particularly those targeting minors.
The committee’s statement referenced a previous announcement by the Zimbabwe Republic Police on 27 December, concerning an investigation into a viral social media video showing minors consuming alcohol in Harare’s Central Business District.
The statement read, “The National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse would like to inform the public that in addition to naming and shaming drug peddlers, more measures are being put in place to strengthen the identification and punishment of drug peddlers especially those targeting minors.”
The committee issued a stark warning to drug peddlers, stating, “Be warned! This message serves as a New Year warning to drug peddlers - The law is coming after you. No stone will be left unturned in 2024 to hunt you down.”
Muchinguri urged parents, guardians, and community members to remain vigilant and increase child supervision measures against drug peddlers who prey on children.
She emphasized the importance of community collaboration in the fight against drug abuse, quoting the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
She also advocated for increased support for those struggling with drug abuse, urging for their reintegration into the community rather than ostracization.
“Those battling with drug and substance abuse must be supported by referring them for treatment and rehabilitation. They must be embraced in our communities (reintegration) and should not be victimized or stigmatized,” Muchinguri said.
The National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, established by the Cabinet in 2023, is tasked with curtailing the supply of illicit drugs and substances, reducing demand and harm, ensuring access to treatment and rehabilitation services, and promoting the successful reintegration of people who use drugs into society.
The committee comprises Government ministries, departments and agencies, traditional leadership, religious organizations, development partners, private sector, donor agencies, and academia.
0 Comments