President Mnangagwa vows to peddle down drug lords

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to drug dealers in Zimbabwe, stating that they will not be tolerated in the country.

Speaking at the National Youth Day celebrations held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall 4 in Bulawayo on Friday, President Mnangagwa declared war on drug lords and their networks, emphasizing that there are no sacred cows in this battle.

The event, attended by government officials and youths from all provinces in Zimbabwe, was held under the theme “Empower the youth, secure the future,” highlighting the importance of investing in the country’s young generation. President Mnangagwa’s warning comes amid a troubling rise in substance abuse across the nation, with a study by Afrobarometer revealing that 79% of Zimbabweans perceive drug and substance abuse as widespread in their communities.

The most commonly abused substances include marijuana, cough syrups containing codeine, and crystal meth. In a recent operation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Entumbane, Bulawayo, seized various drugs, including crystal meth, dagga, and Bronclear syrup, after receiving information about drug dealers in the area where nine individuals were found with these drugs.