Cabinet Approves Harsher Penalties for Drug Dealing

The Cabinet has approved an upward review of fines and jail terms for those convicted of dealing in drug and substance abuse.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced the new measures during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday. He said the fine for such offenses has been increased from the current level 5 of US$30 to level 7, which is US$400 or the equivalent in Zimbabwe dollars. Offenders could also face a jail term of up to two years.

The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of drug and substance abuse across the country. Minister Muswere said monitoring, surveillance and law enforcement activities have led to the arrest of 2,373 individuals and the destruction of 48 drug dens in six provinces.

He added that the Ministry of Women Affairs has also been sensitizing communities on the dangers of drug abuse, while the Empower Bank has been providing training and starter packs to empower youths. The revamped Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme has also seen 101 young people enrolled so far.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe recently told Parliament that the government is pushing for the amendment of the law to impose custodial sentences on all drug and substance offenders without the option of a fine. This, he said, is part of elaborate measures to deal with the challenge.

The government’s crackdown on the drug trade comes as concerns grow over the increasing availability and abuse of substances like crystal meth, which has now been designated as a dangerous drug.