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Drug trafficking a Zanu-PF creation!
16 hrs ago |
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Concerns over drug abuse and trafficking in Zimbabwe have resurfaced amid allegations that politically connected individuals are involved in cross-border drug smuggling, prompting calls for stronger action from authorities.
Critics allege that drug trafficking networks are operating under the protection of political influence, particularly involving individuals linked to the ruling Zanu-PF party. They argue that some senior party figures and affiliated groups exploit their status to bypass searches at border posts, enabling drugs to enter the country undetected.
The allegations include claims that certain cross-border traders associated with pro-government groups travel without being searched by customs officials. These trips, critics say, are sometimes organised under political banners, with ordinary traders allegedly mixed with senior figures who are suspected of abusing the arrangement.
Observers argue that Zimbabwe is not a producer of hard drugs, suggesting that narcotics circulating in communities must be entering the country through cross-border trafficking. They question why few, if any, high-profile arrests for drug smuggling have been reported at ports of entry, despite the growing drug crisis affecting youths and communities nationwide.
The debate has been further fuelled by past public remarks from government officials, including Youth Minister Tino Machakaire and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who have acknowledged that politically connected individuals are among those implicated in drug trafficking.
Some commentators are now urging President Emmerson Mnangagwa to take decisive action, including strengthening law enforcement at border posts and ensuring that all travellers, regardless of political affiliation, are subject to the same customs procedures.
They argue that tackling drug trafficking requires political will, transparency, and accountability, warning that failure to act decisively could worsen the social and economic damage caused by drug abuse.
Calls have also been made for drug trafficking to be treated as a national security issue, with proposals for tougher penalties, enhanced border controls, and incentives for law enforcement officers who intercept major trafficking operations.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the latest allegations.
Critics allege that drug trafficking networks are operating under the protection of political influence, particularly involving individuals linked to the ruling Zanu-PF party. They argue that some senior party figures and affiliated groups exploit their status to bypass searches at border posts, enabling drugs to enter the country undetected.
The allegations include claims that certain cross-border traders associated with pro-government groups travel without being searched by customs officials. These trips, critics say, are sometimes organised under political banners, with ordinary traders allegedly mixed with senior figures who are suspected of abusing the arrangement.
Observers argue that Zimbabwe is not a producer of hard drugs, suggesting that narcotics circulating in communities must be entering the country through cross-border trafficking. They question why few, if any, high-profile arrests for drug smuggling have been reported at ports of entry, despite the growing drug crisis affecting youths and communities nationwide.
The debate has been further fuelled by past public remarks from government officials, including Youth Minister Tino Machakaire and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who have acknowledged that politically connected individuals are among those implicated in drug trafficking.
Some commentators are now urging President Emmerson Mnangagwa to take decisive action, including strengthening law enforcement at border posts and ensuring that all travellers, regardless of political affiliation, are subject to the same customs procedures.
They argue that tackling drug trafficking requires political will, transparency, and accountability, warning that failure to act decisively could worsen the social and economic damage caused by drug abuse.
Calls have also been made for drug trafficking to be treated as a national security issue, with proposals for tougher penalties, enhanced border controls, and incentives for law enforcement officers who intercept major trafficking operations.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the latest allegations.
Source - Midweek Watch
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