OVER 2 400 people have been nabbed in a nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse to curb the vice, which has been described as a growing public health and security concern.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare acting director for drug and substance abuse, Laizah Chourombo, said 2 434 individuals, both users and suppliers, fell under the dragnet, launched in late February.
“Of these, 365 are suppliers, while the majority, 2 069, are end users,” Chourombo told NewsDay.
The figures reveal a notable trend in the composition of suppliers, with authorities recording a near gender balance.
Of the 365 suppliers arrested, 199 are male while 166 are female.
“For suppliers, the numbers are almost balancing between males and females.
“So we cannot really profile or trust anyone when it comes to drug distribution.”
However, among users, men remain disproportionately affected.
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Of the 2 069 individuals arrested for drug use, 1 435 are male, compared to 594 females.
The latest statistics come amid growing concern over the widespread use of illicit substances in Zimbabwe, particularly among young people, with drugs such as marijuana (commonly known as dagga) and crystal meth (locally referred to as mutoriro) dominating the market.
Government has in recent months stepped up enforcement through a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement agents, community structures and social services.
Authorities say the operation is not only targeting users and suppliers, but also dismantling the infrastructure that sustains drug trade.
Chourombo said more than 50 drug bases — locations where drugs are sold or consumed — were destroyed in the past month alone, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt supply chains.
The crackdown is being carried out under the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, a government-led initiative co-ordinating responses across sectors to address what officials have described as a national crisis.
While enforcement has intensified, authorities have acknowledged the need for rehabilitation and support for those affected.
So far, seven rehabilitation centres have been established across the country’s provinces, with hundreds of individuals receiving psychosocial support.
“We are not only focusing on arrests, but also on rehabilitation,” Chourombo said.
“We are working to ensure that those affected are supported mentally, socially and within their families so that they can reintegrate into society as responsible citizens.”
Ingutsheni Central Hospital chief medical officer Nemache Mawere said there was need for a holistic approach to resolve the issue.
“The causes are many and need the efforts of all hence the taskforce established.”
Zimbabwe has in the past decade witnessed a surge in drug and substance abuse cases, prompting calls from civil society, health experts and community leaders for a coordinated and sustained response.
