By KASONDE KASONDE –

THE Drug-Enforcement Commission (DEC) has hailed the Zambia Prisons Service for initiating a strategy against drug abuse in the country’s prisons.
DEC regional commander Gilbert Sinyani said the plan was contributing positively to reducing drug abuse cases in the prison facilities.
Mr Sinyani said the Commission was aware that eliminating drug abuse in prisons was a crucial aspect of ensuring order and safety prevailed in the correctional facilities.
Mr Sinyani said this when he addressed inmates at the Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe yesterday.
He said drug abuse in prisons threatened the safety of inmates and staff as it contradicted rehabilitative goals and undermined the authority of the correctional institution.
Mr Sinyani said drug abuse in prisons reduced public confidence and ultimately compromised the safety of the communities and neighborhoods to which the offenders would return after completing their jail terms.
“We cannot allow drug problems to destroy our identity and we as individuals and communities, therefore, are being reminded that a life without drugs is possible and attainable through consented efforts,” he said.
Mr Sinyani implored correctional officers to work hand-in-hand with the DEC to ensure inmates were aware of the ills and effects of drug abuse.
He said it was vital that inmates left prison after serving their terms as changed persons who could contribute positively to development in their respective communities.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale said drug trafficking had a devastating effect on the social, economic development and maintenance of internal security.
She commended the DEC for achieving commendable results to fight drug abuse and money laundering activities.
The prison authorities also thanked the DEC for rendering assistance to sensitise inmates on the importance of refraining from drug-related offences.