Zimbabwe Rolls Out National Drug Control Agency
The Zimbabwean government has escalated its war on narcotics with the creation of a powerful new institution designed to dismantle drug cartels and rehabilitate users. This follows the gazetting of the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill [H.B. 12, 2025] on 10 October 2025.
Officials have described the move as a decisive step to combat a crisis that has gripped communities across the country. In a statement shared on X, the Office of the Attorney General of Zimbabwe declared:
“The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill [H.B. 12, 2025], gazetted on 10 October 2025, highlights the significant move Government is undertaking to combat drug and substance abuse.”
The proposed body is being set up as a specialised agency tasked with tackling the drug problem through enforcement and rehabilitation.
Enforcement Meets Social Support
The new agency will be structured with two distinct divisions. The first, the Enforcement Division, will coordinate with the police and security services to break down trafficking networks and bring drug dealers to justice.
Confirming its mandate, the Attorney General’s Office stated:
“Section 4(1)(b) of the Bill empowers the Agency, in coordination with the Police Services and other Security Services, to dismantle drug trafficking and distribution networks by enforcing laws governing controlled substances.”
Alongside this tough stance, the Social Services Intervention Division will focus on supporting victims of addiction. According to the Bill, its purpose is to:
“Facilitate re-integration of affected individuals into society, in partnership with health and social service providers.”
This dual approach, combining enforcement with rehabilitation, is being presented as a comprehensive response to a complex national problem.
Addressing A National Crisis
Drug and substance abuse have been identified as both a public health and security threat in Zimbabwe. The government’s National Drug and Substance Abuse Policy, adopted in 2023, already highlighted the dangers posed by addiction, linking it to rising youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and increased urban crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) stressed the potential impact of the new law, stating:
“The establishment of this agency will have a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s fight against drug abuse. It will address the social and economic consequences, including family breakdowns, loss of education opportunities, and crime.”
Citizens have been encouraged to follow updates on the Bill’s progress through the Attorney General’s official website. Authorities say the fight against drugs now enters a new phase — one designed to strike at the roots of trafficking while offering recovery paths for those already affected.
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The post Zimbabwe Launches New Drug Agency To Target Cartels And Dealers appeared first on iHarare News.
