Midlands province has scaled up its fight against drug and substance abuse, reaching at least 180 000 people through awareness campaigns conducted across the region.
The outreach programmes form part of ongoing efforts to curb rising cases of drug abuse, which authorities say have become a major social challenge, particularly among young people.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Owen Ncube said the campaigns attracted widespread participation from schools, churches and civic leaders.
“We commend schools, the church fraternity and civic leaders for supporting broad-based campaigns at church gatherings and sporting events that attracted multitudes,” he said.
Ncube noted that all local authorities in the province — including key hotspot areas such as Gweru, Kwekwe, Shurugwi and Zvishavane — have erected billboards to raise awareness and discourage drug use.
Law enforcement agencies have also intensified operations, resulting in the dismantling of several drug bases across the province.
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“To date, 54 drug bases were dismantled in Kwekwe, six in Gweru Urban, 11 in Gweru Rural, three in Gokwe and four in Zvishavane, giving a provincial cumulative total of 78,” Ncube said.
He added that 290 arrests have been recorded, with authorities confiscating significant quantities of illicit substances, including 80 kilogrammes of mbanje, 59 grammes of crystal meth and 25 cases of illegally produced alcohol.
The government, he said, remains committed to tackling drug and substance abuse through a combination of awareness campaigns, strengthened law enforcement, and community engagement involving schools, churches and local authorities.
“These efforts are critical in protecting communities and safeguarding the future of our young people,” Ncube said.