Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Reporter
CABINET has approved the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill, which will establish a dedicated body to coordinate the country’s anti-drug abuse efforts.
Addressing yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the new law signalled the Government’s resolve to address the drug menace through social rehabilitation and tough enforcement.
This comes as drug and substance abuse continues to affect thousands of young people and families nationwide.
“The primary purpose of the Bill is to establish a specialised National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency, tasked with enforcing laws related to drug trafficking and substance abuse. This initiative responds to the growing concern of widespread drug peddling, fuelled by organised networks with sophisticated international distribution systems, and the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse,” Dr Muswere said.
He said the social services division of the agency would focus on coordinating access to support services, such as vocational training and rehabilitation programmes, while the enforcement division would be tasked with implementing enforcement strategies, leading drug enforcement operations, and overseeing compliance with drug laws and regulations.
“Furthermore, the Bill updates the definition of dangerous drugs to encompass a broader range of harmful substances, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to addressing the menace,” he said.
Dr Muswere said the new agency was aligned with the multi-sectoral drug and substance abuse plan launched by President Mnangagwa, which included traditional and religious leaders, civic actors, and medical experts.
He said the media also had a key role to play in amplifying education campaigns, highlighting successful interventions and countering the glamorisation of drug use.
Addressing questions from the media, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the move reflected the Second Republic’s intensified war on drugs, marked by serious resource commitment and high-level political attention.
“The introduction of this Bill is evidence of intensified efforts and the seriousness that the President attached to this menace as well as the high level dialogue that took place last week where His Excellency presided over. About US$3.1 million was raised and those are serious efforts,” he said.
He said that the new agency would work hand-in-hand with the ZRP’s drugs and narcotics division, which had already made thousands of arrests and secured numerous convictions in recent months.
Minister Kazembe also emphasised that while enforcement remains critical, prevention and community engagement are equally vital.
With the passing of this Bill and the imminent establishment of the agency, Zimbabwe now joins a growing list of African countries creating specialised institutions to confront the rise in drug use, particularly among youth. The agency will also serve as a central coordination point for all anti-drug efforts in the country.
The post Govt to establish drug control agency appeared first on herald.
The post Govt to establish drug control agency appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.