A UNITED Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) research says an illegal drug called skunk is the most abused because of its high levels of intoxication.
The research was conducted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), where they analysed and measured daily consumption of illegal drugs.
“Daily consumption was measured in the 30 days preceding the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) study. 76,5% skunk; 75,1% cannabis; 57,3% illegal alcohol; 56,0% cough medicines; and 50,6% legal alcohol,” the report read.
The report is titled Understanding drug use and substance abuse by Zimbabwean adolescents and young people.
The report said adolescents were highly exposed to dangerous drugs due to stress-induced circumstances such as poverty.
“One of the most serious public health and socio-pathological threats facing adolescents and young people is substance abuse, which has long-term impacts on their wellbeing and future. Risky and escalating behaviour by adolescents and young people includes drug and alcohol abuse, as well as unprotected sexual practices,” Unicef stated.
In April, President Emmerson Mnangagwa bemoaned the surge in drug abuse and called for divine intervention. Mnangagwa has also called for stiffer penalties against drug peddlers and cartels.
Cabinet established the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse on April 19, 2023 to heighten the battle against supply of illicit drugs and substances, mostly blamed on rich and politically-connected individuals.
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It has also been established that some drug cartels target secondary schoolchildren who have been caught at Vuzu parties with the intoxicating substances.
Vuzu parties are parties where learners meet, even with older people such as drug peddlers, to drink and indulge in sexual activities.
