Government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse, resulting in the arrest of 3,193 suspects as authorities move to dismantle supply chains and curb the growing crisis.
Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the ongoing operations are now producing measurable results across the country.
“Government has targeted drug suppliers, distributers and end-users, resulting in 3 193 accused persons being apprehended,” she said.
A significant number of cases are already progressing through the courts, with authorities securing convictions as enforcement efforts tighten.
“A total of 2 113 accused persons were also arraigned before the courts while 493 convictions were secured,” she said.
The crackdown has also focused on disrupting supply networks and identifying key players within the illicit drug trade.
“The crackdown also netted 461 drug suppliers and 2 731 individual end-users, and 52 drug bases were dismantled countrywide,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.
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Authorities have extended the operation into the health sector, tightening regulatory oversight on the handling and distribution of medicines.
“Regulatory compliance inspections for medicines were conducted across 419 public and private health institutions, resulting in 29 premises being fined and closed,” she said.
Government says the approach goes beyond arrests, incorporating long-term strategies to address the root causes of drug abuse.
“The strategic thrust is centred mainly on supply chain reduction, rehabilitation and legal enforcement efforts,” she said.
As part of efforts to strengthen the response, government is working towards establishing a dedicated agency to coordinate enforcement and support services.
“Government seeks to strengthen the institutional arrangement for drug enforcement and psycho-social support services through the establishment of a specialized National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency,” she said.
Additional measures include expanding rehabilitation centres and intensifying public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing demand.
“These strategic interventions are yielding benefits in disrupting illicit drug supply networks,” Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
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