Zim Finally Classifies Crystal Meth as a Dangerous Drug
There was a fight on whether methylenedioxymethamphetamine is the same drug as methamphetamine.
Zim Finally Classifies Crystal Meth as a Dangerous Drug
Legal experts claim that the declaration of crystal meth (mutoriro) as a dangerous drug is likely to result in unending legal battles as hundreds of people were convicted and jailed before the declaration over the past years.
On October 11, 2023, the Zimbabwe government classified methamphetamine as a dangerous drug.
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Prior to the declaration, there had been legal battles with lawyers arguing that crystal meth is not a scheduled drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act, yet the National Prosecuting Authority was seeking convictions for those found in possession.
The fight was whether methylenedioxymethamphetamine, whose possession is illegal under the law, is the same drug as methamphetamine.
Zim Finally Classifies Crystal Meth as a Dangerous Drug
Lawyers have consistently argued the two have different chemical composition, and now the government appears to have conceded with the publishing of Statutory Instrument 167 of 2024 in which the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, in consultation with the Minister of Health and Child Care, made amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Meanwhile, several people have been convicted, jailed and others are serving various sentences based on the previous legal regime which lawyers say did not criminalise possession of methamphetamine, only methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
Legal experts say the law change will likely open floodgates of legal challenges.
Harare lawyer Paida Saurombe said: “The constitution is clear that every person has a right not to be convicted of an offence that was not an offence at the time it took place. Those convicted on non-offenses have a remedy to have those convictions and sentences quashed.”
