HARARE, April 12 (NNN-XINHUA) — The Zimbabwean government vows to clamp down on the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among the youths and the general population so as to eradicate the scourge, a cabinet minister said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday that the government was deeply concerned about the increase in drug and substance abuse, as it decays the moral fabric.
Since the government launched an operation against drug and substance abuse early this year, a total of 6,156 accused persons had been arrested and prosecuted, with large quantities of illicit drugs and substances being recovered, said Mutsvangwa.
Dangerous drug and substance suppliers will be tracked down and prosecuted, with deterrent sentences set to be introduced, she said.
“Culprits will be named and shamed. More patrols will be mounted to curb the sale of dangerous drugs and substances, while liquor outlet owners will be required to operate within stipulated business hours. Surveillance is being enhanced at all ports of entry and exit with personnel being trained in order to effectively detect the trafficking of dangerous drugs and substances,” Mutsvangwa added. — NNN-XINHUA
