President Daniel Chapo on Wednesday called for intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking in Mozambican schools, demanding the dismantling of criminal networks, stronger enforcement operations, and the recovery of financial assets derived from illicit activities.

The president made the remarks at the opening of the National Conference on Drug Prevention and Combat in Maputo, where he warned of the growing sophistication of criminal organisations and the risks posed by the circulation of illicit substances among children, adolescents, and young people.

Chapo called for coordinated action by security and criminal investigation institutions, drawing particular attention to the distribution of drugs disguised as food products. "We cannot accept that trafficking networks deliver poison to children, wrapped up and disguised as sweets," he warned.

In this context, the president advocated for the creation and reactivation of anti-drug units in both public and private schools, describing the protection of educational establishments and the prevention of illicit substance use as fundamental priorities. "Our childhood is not for sale," he declared, underlining the need to prevent criminal networks from continuing to threaten the safety and future of Mozambican children.

Chapo also directed the Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), the Central Anti-Corruption Office (GCCC), and other competent institutions to step up operations against drug distribution and consumption points, known locally as "bocas de fumo".

Beyond security measures, the president called for strengthened financial investigations to identify the origin of resources used by criminal organisations and to recover assets derived from drug trafficking. The government considers that the seizure of illicit substances, while necessary, is insufficient on its own to dismantle criminal networks, and that targeting the financial structures sustaining their operations is equally important.

Money laundering was identified as one of the primary mechanisms used to introduce drug trafficking profits into the formal economy, with associated risks of financing other criminal activities including corruption and terrorism.

The president also warned of the increasing use of digital platforms, new technologies, and electronic payment systems by criminal organisations — factors he said demand greater technical and operational capacity from the authorities.

Mozambique faces additional challenges stemming from its geographical location, its extensive coastline, and its connections to the main commercial corridors of Southern Africa — characteristics that can also facilitate the movement of drugs by sea, land, and air.

Against this backdrop, the government intends to intensify border, port, and airport controls, strengthen investigator training, and deepen international cooperation, particularly with member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).