By Marshall Bwanya
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s war on drugs has delivered a chilling wake-up call after 2,706 people under the age of 35 were arrested and referred to court in a nationwide crackdown, prompting a hard-hitting police awareness campaign urging communities to unite against substance abuse.
Dubbed the Massive Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign, the initiative, spearheaded by the CID Drugsand Narcotics Business Against Drug and Substance Abuse Forum in collaboration with the CID Christian CommunityPolice Network (CCPN), is rallying Zimbabweans behind one uncompromising message: “United Against Drugs,Building Safer Communities, Protecting Our Future.”
The campaign’s warning comes as fresh figures released by Information minister Soda Zhemu during last Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing reveal the scale of the battle facing authorities, families and communities.
Between June 1 and September 19, 2026, a total of 3,839 people were arrested and referred to court as enforcement operations were intensified across the country.
“Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, enforcement, surveillance, and destruction of identified drug bases and public awareness campaigns were intensified across all provinces.
“A total of 3 839 persons were arrested and referred to court, with 2 706 being below 35 years,” Zhemu said.
The crackdown also saw 73 drug bases destroyed and drugs and substances worth more than ZiG26.7 million seized, including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and dagga.
These figures reinforce the campaign’s urgent callfor parents, schools, churches, police andcommunity leaders to join forces before more younglives are derailed by addiction.
Pulling no punches about the damage caused bysubstance abuse, the campaign warns that drugsdestroy lives and families, fuel addiction, undermineschool performance and employment, andcontribute to crime and violence. Its message toyoung people is simple: reject drugs, resist peerpressure and protect your future.
Parents and guardians are being urged to keep communication open with their children, promote positive role models and encourage participation in sport, arts and other healthy activities.
The campaign also calls on families to watch for warning signs, including sudden behavioural changes, declining school performance, withdrawal from relatives and friends, unexplained money or valuables, poor hygiene, red eyes and unusual mood swings.
Early intervention and reporting, it stresses, can help prevent vulnerable young people from sliding deeper into substance abuse.
The latest Government report reveals that authorities recovered drugs and substances valued at more than ZiG26.7 million during the reporting period.
A total of 1,032 accused persons were fined, while 461 were imprisoned for varying periods, with some receiving sentences of up to 15 years.
Harare recorded 5,685 accused persons in drug-related cases, followed by Bulawayo with 1,022, while the Midlands province reported 296.
The report also revealed that the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe conducted 285 inspections, resulting in 50 violations being referred to court.
Government says prevention initiatives are also gathering pace, with awareness campaigns, youth empowerment, vocational training, research and livelihood programmes reaching more than 1.39 million people.
Of those reached, 814,906 were female and 579,000 were male.
However, the growing demand for treatment remains a major concern.
A total of 3,363 patients received treatment for drug and substance-related problems, comprising 2,964 men and 399 women, while 73 patients were reported as relapse cases.
“The demand for treatment, rehabilitation, psycho-social support and empowerment initiatives continue to increase, demanding Whole-of-Government and Whole-of Society collaboration to fight Drug and Substance Abuse in our communities,” Zhemu said.
The report further showed that 5,707 individuals received psychosocial support, while 1,843 people were reached through the toll-free helpline 406.
Another 594 individuals were successfully reintegrated into their families and communities after discharge from the Angel of Hope Foundation and Wilkins Rehabilitation Centres.
In a major push to support people battling addiction, government is continuing rehabilitation and refurbishment works at Gwanda and Sakubva Rehabilitation Centres.
Plans are also underway to establish a 700-bed Presidential High-Capacity Drug Rehabilitation Centre, with the model earmarked for replication across all 10 provinces.
Combining clinical treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational empowerment, agriculture, sport and recreation, and community reintegration, the proposed facility will offer a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Reflecting the growing recognition that the fight against drugs cannot be won through arrests alone, the campaign calls for stronger communities, emphasising that prevention, treatment and support for recovering users are equally essential.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen the legalframework for tackling the crisis, the National Drug,Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement AgencyBill is under consideration by the parliamentary legal committee as government moves to address the challenge.
The campaign is urging Zimbabweans to turn awareness into action by protecting young people, promoting education, supporting rehabilitation and building safer communities.
Members of the public seeking assistance or wishing to report drug-related cases can contact the NC-DASA toll-free line on 406, send a WhatsApp message to Police General Headquarters on 071 280 0197, or call the ZRP National Complaints Desk on 0242 703 631.
They can also visit their nearest police station.
With thousands of arrests recorded, drug bases destroyed and treatment services facing mounting demand, the campaign is calling on families and communities to act before more lives and dreams are lost to substance abuse.
“Stay Drug Free, Stay Healthy!” is the rallying cry, as the campaign urges the nation to choose life, make the right choices and work together towards a drug-free Zimbabwe.
