HARARE – Zimbabwe says it is introducing tougher measures to curb drug trafficking and abuse with those caught peddling illicit substance set for long prison sentences.
At a post-cabinet media briefing Tuesday, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said surveillance has been heightened at all ports of entry into the country to detect trafficking of dangerous drugs and substances.
“The nation is further being informed that dangerous drug and substance suppliers will be tracked down and prosecuted, with deterrent sentences set to be introduced,” she said.
“Culprits will be named and shamed.
“More patrols will be mounted to curb the sale of dangerous drugs and substances, while liquor outlet owners will be required to operate within stipulated business hours.”
Mutsvangwa said government was concerned about the dangers posed by substance abuse both within households and broader society.
“Regarding supply reduction, the Inter-Ministerial Task Force is conducting surveillance activities across the country leading to the arrest and prosecution of a cumulative total of 6,156 accused persons,” she said.
Under an Operation Clean Up Zimbabwe Campaign, Zimbabwe, through the Inter-Ministerial Task Force managed to recover large quantities of dangerous drugs and substance comprising crystal meth, cocaine, ecstacy, dagga, broncleer, histalix and bennyiln.
