Zimbabwe now a consumer market for illicit drugs

Zimbabwe is no longer merely a transit route for illicit drugs but has increasingly become a consumer market, police detectives have told a drug and substance abuse workshop in Bulawayo.

Detectives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department Drugs and Narcotics unit made the revelations during a Bulawayo Provincial Drug and Substance Taskforce workshop held under the supply reduction pillar of the national response to drug abuse.

Detective Constable Emelly Mashindi said Zimbabwe was receiving illicit drugs from several countries in Africa and beyond.

She said suspects arrested in the country had, in most cases, claimed to have sourced drugs from countries including South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Afghanistan, India, Mexico, Lebanon, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil and Pakistan.

"Most of the criminals that have been arrested in the country allege to have sourced the drugs from countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Afghanistan, India, Mexico, Lebanon, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil and Pakistan," said Mashindi.

She said the substances most commonly abused in Zimbabwe included cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, skin and sex enhancers and heroin.

Her colleague, Detective Constable Innocent Tom, said supply reduction was a critical component of Zimbabwe's comprehensive strategy to combat drug and substance abuse.

He said the approach involved enforcing legislation, regulating controlled substances, strengthening border controls and promoting cooperation among agencies involved in combating drug trafficking.

"Through collaborative efforts, the organisations within the pillar aim to reduce the availability of illicit drugs, protect communities, and promote a healthier society," said Tom.

Tom was speaking as delegates underwent training as part of a training-of-trainers workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of stakeholders involved in tackling drug and substance abuse.

He said it was important for participants to understand the role of the supply reduction pillar and be able to reinforce its objectives within their respective institutions and communities.

However, Tom said law enforcement efforts were being undermined by a number of challenges.

These included what police described as lenient legislation for some drug-related offences, shortages of manpower and inadequate access to high-powered vehicles required for drug interdiction operations.

"We also face a shortage of material resources. Inadequate training in drug interdiction hampers personnel capabilities and lack of maximum cooperation from members of the public," he said.

The police said stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved resources, enhanced training and greater public participation were necessary to strengthen efforts to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs.

The developments highlight the growing challenge facing Zimbabwe as authorities seek to tackle both the trafficking of illicit substances through the country and their increasing availability for domestic consumption.