Govt mulls tougher drug laws

TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO

Government is planning to come up with tougher laws to deter drug dealers from preying on youths, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking at National Youth Day in Lupane last week, President Mnangagwa said young people should be focused on developing the country.

“This should see us realise a drug and substance abuse free society. Anchored by young people who are united, hardworking, enterprising and focused on building our mother land Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mnangagwa said he has directed the police and other security arms to act decisively in flushing out drug syndicates as well as the smuggling associated supply chains.

“No stone will be left unturned. Communities are urged to expose those who harbour drug peddlers and merchants.”

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is not a drug and illegal substance producer and the review of legislation related policy measures on drug and substance abuse was receiving urgent attention.

“We want to put a difficult law that anyone seen or arrested selling drugs will be put behind bars for a very long time,” he said.

Health experts say about 250 drug addicts are attended to at Ingutsheni Central Hospital monthly with the number of youths abusing drugs continuing to rise in Bulawayo.

President Mnangagwa said the government was setting up specialised medical facilities throughout the country to provide services to drug addicts and survivors of substance abuse.