By Margaret Kamba 

Government continues to upscale its efforts to curb drug and substance abuse.

In a report to Cabinet this week, the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri informed that Government continues to heighten the fight against illegal inflows of illicit drugs, substances and alcohol throughout the country. 

"A total of 486 (451 male and 35 female) offenders were arrested. Out of the 486 offenders, 20 were suppliers who were referred to Court, whilst 466 were drug users who paid deposit fines. Raids were conducted during the period under review and drugs were confiscated," Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said. 

"The Liquor Licensing Board conducted alcohol outlets compliance inspections in Epworth. A total of 85 premises were inspected and of these 15 were operating without licenses. The unlicensed cases were referred to the Police Licensing Inspectorate Department for further management.

"The Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Liquor Licensing Board are working together on the investigations, clearance, non-clearance classification, banning and licencing of new alcoholic drinks in the market, including the Kambucha drink beverage."

The Drug and Substance Report also noted that "Primary, Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions carried out drug and substance abuse awareness campaigns to students. Weekly Awareness campaigns continue to be a priority, and the collective campaigns in the primary education level has reached 410 473 learners (194 398 male and 216 075 female). As a behavior change intervention, the education sector continues to facilitate students to interact with offenders in a bid to educate them on the danger of abusing drugs and substances and the effects thereof. Community outreaches are being carried out through Information, Education and Communication materials."

The report also indicated that "the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development had reached a total of 2729 people with drug and substance abuse information through its community empowerment programmes, projects and meetings during the week. In a bid to reduce drug abuse, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training had submitted 188 projects to Empower Bank for funding. Short term loans have been introduced and clients are now accessing this facility without collateral security. Sports galas are an effective way of reaching youths as they provide an enabling environment and platform to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse. Furthermore, most churches have mainstreamed drug and substance abuse in their religious activities."

More information indicates that "279 (233 male and 46 female) patients received drug rehabilitation services inclusive of treatment, medical detoxification and rehabilitation services to all referred and walk-in clients. A total number of 53 Clinical health personnel and 57 community-based health workers, School health coordinators, peer support champions in schools and universities were trained on Mental Health, Recovery and Community Inclusion."