Harare – The Zimbabwean government says 3,839 people have been arrested and referred to court in an intensified crackdown on drug and substance abuse, with 2,706 of those arrested aged below 35.

At the post-cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the government said authorities destroyed 73 drug bases and ran 171 public awareness campaigns nationwide under the supply reduction pillar.

Harare recorded the highest number of accused persons at 5,685, followed by Bulawayo with 1,022, while the Midlands province reported the lowest figure of 296.

The government said treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and empowerment programmes were also being expanded to address demand for drugs and substances.

It called for coordinated action by government agencies and communities, warning that businesses found violating the law would face the full force of the law.

Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge in drug abuse cases, with the majority of victims being young people who cite lack of economic opportunities, particularly employment, as the major reason behind drug and substance abuse.