The government says it will soon introduce a statutory instrument imposing stiffer penalties, including mandatory jail terms, for drug peddling and related offences as part of efforts to combat rising substance abuse.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said this week that the measures are aimed at intensifying the national response to drug abuse, which has become a growing social concern.
She revealed that the new framework will also include a ban on illicit brews popularly known as “Tumbwa”, as well as a “naming and shaming” strategy to expose those involved in the drug trade.
“These interventions will help us protect the youth and safeguard communities from the scourge of drugs that continue to destroy lives,” she said.
Authorities have in recent months escalated crackdowns on drug syndicates, with police recording hundreds of arrests linked to narcotics and illicit alcohol across the country.
The proposed legal changes are expected to be gazetted in the coming weeks.
