09/08/2023
"The Controversial Evolution of Zambia's Drug Enforcement Mandate"
By Nsoni Mpulamasaka
In 1991, backed by funding from the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and inspired by America's war on drugs under Bill Clinton, the mandate for Drug Enforcement in Zambia was incorporated into the Zambia Drug Enforcement Commission (D.E.C), which also oversees anti-money laundering activities. Despite the global shift towards recognizing the medicinal benefits of cannabis and its subsequent legalization in many regions, Zambia's stance remains rooted in outdated beliefs.
Critics contend that Zambia's drug enforcement tactics overwhelmingly target vulnerable populations, prioritizing arrest figures over actual justice. They argue that this emphasis on quantity is fueled by a system that rewards 'cash for drug' detentions rather than focusing on the genuine welfare of the citizens.
Reflecting on more than three decades of such practices, it becomes crucial to question the continued relevance of these archaic and repressive policies in the face of current scientific evidence and global shifts.
