44 drug hotspots wiped out

AUTHORITIES in Manicaland have dismantled 44 notorious drug bases and arrested eight suspected suppliers since the beginning of the year as Government intensifies efforts to combat drug and substance abuse across the province.

The statistics were revealed on Tuesday by Misheck Mugadza during a Press briefing held at his offices.

Minister Mugadza said law enforcement agencies had escalated operations targeting illegal drug networks, dealers and hotspots throughout the province, leading to the closure of several drug dealing points and the seizure of various illicit substances.

"Forty-four bases were dismantled and an assortment of drugs were seized. The Government is strengthening border control systems and enhancing collaboration among national agencies, as well as with regional and international partners, to dismantle organised drug syndicates," he said.

He added that authorities had also arrested suppliers believed to be driving the spread of illegal drugs in communities.

"Eight suppliers were arrested. This last month alone, 265 arrests were made compared to 249 during the same period last year," said Minister Mugadza.

Of the suspects arrested, 232 were male while 33 were female.

The Minister said several suspects had already appeared before the courts, with most being convicted.

He identified major drug and substance abuse hotspots in the province as Sakubva, Penhalonga, Birchenough Bridge, Hauna, Murambinda, Chimbike and Odzi.

Minister Mugadza said Government was strengthening systems aimed at disrupting organised trafficking syndicates and curbing cross-border smuggling of dangerous substances.

He revealed that a recent national survey exposed alarming levels of substance abuse, particularly among young people.

"We are intensifying province-wide awareness campaigns to educate citizens, especially young people. The survey showed that seven percent report substance use, 4.5 percent hazardous drinking, and 1.8 percent use both," he said.

The Minister described drug and substance abuse as an escalating social, health and security challenge affecting families and communities across the province.

"This problem is increasingly impacting our youths, and not only undermining public health, safety and national productivity, but is also becoming a security threat, with one in every 30 households affected in one way or another," he said.

Minister Mugadza called on communities, parents, churches and development partners to work together with authorities by reporting drug syndicates and supporting anti-drug initiatives.

"The fight against drug and substance abuse is everyone's responsibility. The Government alone cannot overcome this challenge without the active participation of families, communities, the private sector, faith-based organisations and young people themselves," he said.

He urged young people to avoid drugs and focus on opportunities that contribute positively to national development.

The Minister also appealed to parents and guardians to remain actively involved in the lives of their children while encouraging communities to create environments that discourage drug use and support rehabilitation efforts.

"Parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant and engaged in the lives of their children. Community leaders must continue to foster environments that discourage drug use and support recovery," he said.