HARARE – Zimbabwean authorities have arrested 9,527 people and dismantled 79 illegal drug bases as part of a nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse between September 1, 2024, and 31 January 2025, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said Tuesday.
Speaking at a post-cabinet briefing, Muswere said 616 of those arrested were drug suppliers while 8,911 were end-users. International cooperation led to the arrest of three suspects in Zambia found with 23 kilograms of dagga.
“The government remains committed to addressing drug and substance abuse through enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention programmes,” Muswere said.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe conducted 117 inspections, closing five non-compliant facilities. Meanwhile, three new rehabilitation centres were established in Victoria Falls, Harare, and Kwekwe, with authorities urging private sector and diaspora investment to expand these services.
Efforts also focused on prevention and education, with 7.2 million learners reached through revised school curricula and over 62,000 students engaged in prevention programmes at tertiary institutions. Vocational training benefited 155,421 youth, while the Ministry of Women Affairs reached 111,537 people through awareness campaigns, cabinet heard.
Muswere said 13,695 people received psycho-social support, with 886 reintegrated into their families. Additionally, 6,695 parents attended parenting sessions, and 1,161 individuals accessed online support platforms.
The government continues to review legislation to strengthen its fight against drug abuse, Muswere added.
