FORMER Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume has expressed concern over the detrimental effects of drug trafficking on economic growth, leading to the laundering of illicit money, corruption and inflation in the country.

Karume made the remarks in Kidimni, Central District, Unguja South, during the inauguration of a rehabilitation and treatment centre for drug abuse victims.

He explained that the issue also contributes to low income generation due to a shrinking workforce and a lack of employment opportunities.

Karume emphasised that, due to the harmful effects of drug abuse, society must take proactive steps to strengthen child upbringing, closely monitor the behaviour of young people, and protect them from harmful groups, while educating them about the dangers of drugs.

He further stated that young people can protect themselves from this crisis by engaging in various sports, rejecting false beliefs, avoiding socially unacceptable behaviours, and participating in both economic and social activities.

Karume called on the Zanzibar Drug Control and Prevention Authority to remain vigilant in tracking down and apprehending those involved in the drug trade, ensuring they face legal consequences.

He added that global research shows that young people who begin using drugs at the age of 15 often die before reaching 25, resulting in the loss of a valuable workforce critical to national development.

He urged the community to make use of the facility to raise children, provide treatment, and rehabilitate behaviour, while also offering entrepreneurial training to those who have overcome addiction, alongside educating them about the destructive effects of drugs.

Permanent Secretary in the First Vice-President’s Office, Bimaryam Juma Abdalla, highlighted that the centre is unique in East Africa and aims to help young people overcome drug addiction while also providing vocational training in areas such as tailoring, automotive repair, livestock farming, and other skills to support those in recovery.

The Minister of State First Vice-President’s Office, Harous Said Suleiman remarked that the completion of this facility is a crucial step in providing medical services and strengthening efforts to combat and control drug-related issues, marking a key part of the government’s commitment to addressing the impact of drugs in Zanzibar.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Zanzibar Drug Control and Prevention Authority, Colonel Burhan Zubeir Nassoro, noted that while significant progress has been made in tackling the issue, challenges remain, including some parents distancing themselves from their children despite their recovery, and some former addicts being reluctant to engage in entrepreneurial activities or vocational training programmes.

Currently, Zanzibar is estimated to have around 10,000 young people involved in drug abuse, causing considerable harm to them personally, as well as to their families and the wider community.