In the first quarter of 2024, POLICE detained almost 5300 suspected drug traffickers, which resulted in the conviction of 83 offenders.
As part of the government’s increased efforts to clear communities of drug-related crimes, 91 drug bases were also closed
This comes after the government announced last year that drug and substance abuse posed a national concern and used $500 million from the Drug and Substance Abuse Mitigation Fund to support high-impact initiatives aimed at combating the drug problem.
The nation achieved tremendous progress against the illegal drug trade, according to Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe. Between January and March 28, the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit arrested 525 suppliers and 4,839 end users.
This was disclosed by Minister Kazembe last Wednesday in Parliament during a status report on efforts to reduce drug and substance misuse.
Additionally, he disclosed that, of the 5 364 arrests, 4 327 involved people under the age of 35, and 1 037 involved those beyond that age. 5300 suspected drug traffickers
Males predominated the arrests as usual, accounting for 4 506 of the total, compared to 858 females. Of the 83 people found guilty, 55 were men and 28 were women.
Minister Kazembe also stated that a total of 4 962 individuals had paid deposit fines, adding that 91 drug bases had been destroyed, while 153 awareness campaigns had been carried out. In all cases, the ministry advocates for a deterrent sentence. “This office recommends custodial sentences in all issues to do with drug and substance as a deterrent measure to the scourge. “However, our recommendations have been referred to the Attorney-General’s Office who have the duty to amend the existing laws. “Recommendations by this office for amendment of all the existing laws to deal with drug and substance abuse are being worked on by the policy and legal pillar to the National Elimination Committee on drug and substance abuse.”
Minister Kazembe stated that in order to lower the demand for drugs and increase public awareness of the negative effects of substance misuse, the police were collaborating with members of the community and other stakeholders.
“All known drug dealers’ residential properties are the target of disruptive raids, and all tips about people suspected of drug sales are investigated and responded to within a day.
In order to perform surveillance in all areas and ensure that those involved in drug peddling activities are caught, operational teams are being deployed in various locations across the nation.
“The police are deploying members at exit and entry points who collaborate with ZIMRA, Immigration, and other authorities, focusing on monitoring,