EDITOR — AS the fight against illicit drug and substance abuse in the country intensifies, it is reported that over 4 000 suspected users and 466 dealers and peddlers have been arrested from January to date. Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga said large quantities of illicit drugs have also been confiscated and destroyed during the same period.

The Government, alarmed by the widespread intake of illicit drugs and substances in the country, especially by youths, has launched a crackdown, targeting both users, dealers and peddlers,

Popular illicit drugs and substances in the local market include mutoriro, crystal meth, bronclear, marijuana, injectables as well as illicit brews and spirits which have caused untold psychological and physiological traumas. 

Drugs have a serious negative impact on the brain leading to immorality as well as anti-social behaviour on both the users and the community.

Drug-related crimes like theft, rape, murder and violence are on the increase as the users battle addiction and compulsion. 

It is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and Government to curb drug and substance abuse in our country so that our youths can have a future, it is also the duty of parents to try and educate their children on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. 

There should be citizens arrest of any participant in the drug business.

It is crucial to ensure that those supplying and selling the drugs are tracked down and arrested. 

Their businesses are booming at the expense of young bright lives.

We applaud the Government, together with the police, for the good work they are doing by raiding suppliers and consumers at known places of consumption as well as their public awareness and educational programmes. It’s time we see hundreds of culprits being brought to book because a whole generation cannot just go to waste.

Benhilda Chademana, 

Bulawayo