Zimbabwe is tackling more drug abuse cases, especially among youth

Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the government recently approved a review of fines ranging from $30 to $400 or imprisonment of up to two years for any company convicted of selling illegal drugs.

He said that in addition to the 2,373 people arrested in 2024, 48 bases in six provinces were raided and destroyed.

“The fight against the scourge of drug and substance abuse will continue in all provinces of Zimbabwe,” Muswere said. “Religious organizations have taken up the fight against drug and substance abuse through campaigns encouraging young people in particular to live a drug-free life.”

Oscar Pambuka, who was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for drug use, said that more tools are needed to fight this addiction, such as creating more jobs.

He testified that he began using crystal methamphetamine after divorcing his wife and losing a job.

“I started associating myself with new characters,” Pambuka said. “They became my new friends. And as part of these associations, I fell in love with a drug called methamphetamine. … It used to make me feel comfortable. It gave me momentary joy.”

However, his drug use has led to a loss of financial resources and networks, he said, because many people do not want to associate with people who use drugs. He also lost weight – 20 kilograms (44 pounds) between 2016 and 2020 – although he began to regain some of the weight in prison.

“I thank God for the imprisonment,” he said.

Officials say Zimbabwe’s economy has suffered due to US sanctions on the government over alleged corruption and human rights abuses in the early 2000s.

Critics attribute the economic decline to Harare’s corruption and poor policies.

Inflation remains at a rate of 55% per year – lower than the hyperinflation that has plagued Zimbabwe in the past, but still high enough to make life difficult for most ordinary Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwean government and UN agency officials are expected to meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare next Wednesday to develop a national plan to combat drug and substance abuse.