By Vimbai Malinganiza

DRUG and substance abuse has become a scourge throughout Zimbabwe, particularly in urban areas where young people fall prey to the dangerous allure of illicit substances. This growing crisis not only threatens the health and safety of individuals but also impacts the social fabric of entire communities, leading to increased crime rates, family breakdowns, and economic instability. However, in the face of this alarming situation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been taking significant strides in combating the drug trade, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Over the past two weeks, the ZRP has intensified operations targeting drug and substance abuse, with impressive results. According to recent reports, the police have made over 500 arrests related to drug-related offences. These arrests encompass a broad spectrum of drug-related crimes, from the possession of narcotics to the sale and distribution of illegal substances. Among the drugs seized in these operations are commonly abused substances such as mbanje, methamphetamines, and industrial chemicals used to manufacture dangerous drugs.

The police have also seized large quantities of drugs during raids in known hotspots across major cities like Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare . These efforts are part of a nationwide crackdown under ‘Operation No to Drugs’ launched by the Government, aiming to rid communities of the scourge of drug abuse. The police’s proactive approach has seen them not only arrest street-level dealers but also make headway in busting large drug syndicates.

According to police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, these operations are crucial in stemming the flow of illicit drugs into Zimbabwe. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that drug peddlers and suppliers face the full wrath of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Nyathi remarked in a recent statement. “We believe that by removing these substances from our streets, we are helping to secure the future of our youth and protect our communities from the devastating effects of drugs”. Police have recently achieved a significant success in combating drug and substance abuse in the country. A notable operation led to the arrest of three individuals on March 9 for the possession of 3,900kg of dagga at a bus premise along Citroen Road in Msasa, Harare.

The seizure underscores the ZRP’s unwavering commitment to eradicate drug- related activities in Zimbabwe. In an interview, the chairman of Heal Us Zimbabwe, Columbus Mushore, said: “I would like to commend the ZRP for the relentless efforts in combating drug and substance abuse, particularly the successful bust of Msasa drug cartel. We witness first the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals and families. We stand ready to work alongside the authorities in offering professional rehabilitation services, counselling and awareness programmes to complement these law enforcement agebcies’ efforts. Together,we can build a drug-free Zimbabwe.” The Government has made significant strides in fighting drug abuse, aligning its efforts with those of the ZRP. In 2022, the Government launched the National Drug Policy, which aims to address the root causes of drug abuse, provide rehabilitation programmes, and strengthen the law enforcement agencies’ role in tackling the menace.

Additionally, in 2023, the Ministry of Health and Child Care introduced a national framework for drug abuse prevention, which includes educational campaigns targeting schools and communities. This is complemented by rehabilitation programmes for those already affected by addiction. The Government has also called for better collaboration between local authorities, non-governmental organisations, and international partners to curb the flow of illicit drugs into Zimbabwe.

“We are determined to fight this war against drugs on all fronts,” said Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, speaking at a recent national conference on drug abuse. “While law enforcement agencies play a pivotal role, we also need the cooperation of every Zimbabwean to help us eradicate this menace.” However, despite these commendable efforts, the fight against drug abuse has not been without controversy. In recent weeks, there have been growing allegations that some of the drug barons are allegedly Government officials or individuals with connections to high-ranking political figures.

These allegations have sparked a public outcry, with many wondering if the Government can truly clean up the drug trade if those at the top are believed to be complicit in it. A prominent social media user recently posted an exposé claiming that some politicians and senior Government officials are either directly involved in the illicit drug trade or are turning a blind eye to it. These claims have sparked debates in the media, with critics accusing the Government of not doing enough to tackle the problem at its roots.

However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that these claims are true, and the Government has vehemently denied any involvement by its officials in the illegal drug trade. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, the Government refuted these allegations, calling them ‘baseless and defamatory’. “The Government is fully committed to tackling drug abuse,” the statement read. “We have zero tolerance for corruption and illegal activities, and any Government official found involved in drug-related offences will face the full consequences of the law.” Despite these denials, the issue of corruption and complicity continues to stir public sentiment, casting a shadow on the Government’s efforts to combat the drug trade.

Trust in the authorities is key to effective enforcement, and the allegations, whether true or not, risk undermining the public’s confidence in the campaign against drugs. The drug trade in Zimbabwe is primarily driven by a combination of local dealers and international cartels. Locally, many of the drug peddlers are young individuals, some of whom are themselves addicted to drugs. These individuals, often recruited by larger syndicates, become the face of the drug trade, distributing illicit substances to communities, schools and public spaces. The widespread availability of cheap drugs has made it increasingly difficult to curb the problem.

Drugs like methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘crystal meth’, have become prevalent in urban areas, especially among young people, who are often lured by the promise of quick highs and temporary relief from personal or economic struggles. The effects of drug abuse are profound, particularly on youth who fall into addiction. Families suffer as parents watch their children spiral into destructive behaviour, unable to find a way out.

In the communities, drug abuse is linked to increased crime rates, including theft, assault and violent gang activities. A recent study conducted by the Zimbabwe National Crime Research Institute (ZNCRI) linked the rise in violent killings to the prevalence of drug abuse, particularly in areas where ‘zama-zama’ (street dealers) operate unchecked. “The drug trade has contributed to a sharp increase in violence,” said ZNCRI director, Dr Tinashe Chikwinya. “We are seeing more youth getting involved in violent crimes, and there is a direct correlation with the proliferation of drugs in these communities.” The recent spate of killings in various parts of Zimbabwe has been linked to the increasing influence of drugs in society. Gangs often fight over drug territories, and drug addicts commit crimes to support their habits. However, it is important to recognise that these killings are not solely the result of drug abuse but are symptomatic of deeper societal problems, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of adequate social services.

While it is easy to blame the drug dealers for these heinous acts, the root cause of the violence lies in the systemic issues facing Zimbabwe. The socio-economic struggles facing many families, coupled with the lack of proper rehabilitation programmes for drug addicts, have created a fertile ground for criminal activity. Despite the challenges, it is important to remember that combating drug abuse is not solely the responsibility of the police or the Government. It is a collective effort that requires the cooperation of families, communities and businesses. Each person has a role to play in preventing the spread of drugs and supporting those who are struggling with addiction. In schools, there must be greater emphasis on drug prevention programmes.

Communities must engage in discussions about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage individuals to report suspicious activities to the authorities. At the Government level, more resources need to be allocated to rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for former drugs abusers. The ZRP’s efforts in tackling drug and substance abuse are commendable and a crucial step in addressing the growing crisis.

However, as with any complex issue, it requires a united approach from all sectors of society. The Government’s commitment to combating drugs must be matched by community involvement and a collective responsibility to protect the nation’s youth from the devastating effects of addiction. The road ahead is long, but if Zimbabwe’s citizens work together, the fight against drug abuse will not be in vain. Every individual has a part to play in creating a safer, drug-free future for Zimbabwe.