The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has received a substantial boost in its battle against drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth, with the donation of anti-narcotics laboratory equipment valued at over US$100,000 from China. The donation was formally handed over to the Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, at the Police General Headquarters.
The timely contribution comes as Zimbabwe grapples with the scourge of drug abuse, a pressing issue that affects the nation’s youth. The equipment provided by China is expected to enhance the capacity of the police force in detecting and combating drug-related crimes.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, expressed China’s commitment to collaborating with Zimbabwe in addressing various challenges and fostering shared prosperity. Ambassador Zhou stated, “China seeks to work with Zimbabwe to meet the challenges and achieve prosperity for all. Going forward, China will implement more development cooperation projects in Zimbabwe to strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership and deliver more benefits to the Zimbabwean people.”
The Police Commissioner-General, Godwin Matanga, applauded the strong and cooperative relationship between Zimbabwe and China. Minister Kazembe, in his remarks, highlighted the detrimental impact of drug abuse on the country’s economy. He emphasized that resources meant for development are often diverted to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers.
The newly acquired laboratory equipment is expected to significantly bolster the police’s ability to identify various types of drugs and enhance detection rates. This technological upgrade is a critical step in the fight against drug abuse in Zimbabwe, aiming to protect the nation’s youth and promote a healthier society.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with drug abuse issues, partnerships and support from the international community, such as the donation from China, plays a crucial role.
