Mozambique: Drug Crime Statistics 2026 Reveal 58.6% Patient Surge

• Mozambican health facilities treated 17,783 people for drug-related mental and behavioral disorders in H1 2026, a 58.6% increase from H1 2025.
• Multiple substances and alcohol were the leading causes for seeking treatment, followed by cannabinoids and opioids, with the 21-35 age group most affected.
• Maputo leads in drug consumption, while Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Manica also show high levels of multiple-substance use.
• Drug-related criminal cases surged in H1 2026, with 131 reported by GCPCD, 418 by SERNIC, and 651 handled by the PGR, all significantly higher than H1 2025 figures.
• Over 1.38 million people, primarily adolescents and young adults, were reached through awareness campaigns involving over 21,000 activists and 14,000 talks.

The dramatic rise in individuals seeking treatment for drug-induced disorders, coupled with a significant uptick in criminal cases, underscores a deepening public health and security challenge across Mozambique.

Mozambique's health facilities recorded a substantial increase in patients seeking treatment for mental and behavioral disorders linked to drug and psychoactive substance use during the first half of 2026. A total of 17,783 individuals received care, marking a significant 58.6 percent rise compared to the corresponding period in 2025. This alarming trend was highlighted in the National Report on Drug Trafficking and Consumption, compiled by the Central Office for the Prevention and Control of Drugs (GCPCD).

According to Salma Iuraimadam, a representative from the Health Ministry, the primary reasons for individuals accessing psychiatric and mental health services were the use of multiple substances, accounting for 7,372 cases, and alcohol, with 5,469 cases. Following these were cannabinoids, which registered 1,502 cases, and opioids, with 1,100 cases. The demographic most affected remains the 21-to-35 age group, a segment deemed particularly critical due to its inclusion of individuals of school and working age.

Geographically, the capital city of Maputo exhibited the highest levels of drug consumption. However, northern provinces such as Nampula and Cabo Delgado, along with the central province of Manica, also reported elevated instances of multiple-substance use. Iuraimadam emphasized the severe consequences of the abusive use of drugs and other psychoactive substances, which extend beyond individual health to societal well-being. These include disruptions to family life, neglect of responsibilities, and the erosion of emotional bonds.

The identified health repercussions are broad, encompassing mental health issues like depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and psychotic episodes. Physical health is also severely impacted, with cardiovascular and liver diseases being among the documented outcomes. The pervasive nature of Mozambique psychoactive substance abuse presents a complex challenge requiring comprehensive intervention.

Beyond the public health implications, Mozambique has also witnessed a dramatic surge in drug-related criminal cases, indicating heightened enforcement and prosecution activities. The Central Office for the Prevention and Control of Drugs (GCPCD) reported 131 crimes associated with drug trafficking and use in the first half of 2026, a notable increase from the 75 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

Further underscoring this trend, the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) documented 418 drug cases in the first six months of 2026, a substantial jump from the 250 cases handled in the first half of the previous year. Similarly, the Office of the Attorney-General (PGR) processed 651 cases related to drug offenses during the same period, up from 418 cases previously. These Mozambique drug crime statistics 2026 reveal a consistent and significant increase across multiple law enforcement and judicial bodies.

The escalating numbers of Mozambique drug trafficking cases increase the pressure on the legal system and signal a growing challenge in combating illicit drug activities. The data from SERNIC drug cases Mozambique and PGR Mozambique drug prosecutions collectively paint a picture of intensified efforts to address drug-related offenses, leading to a higher volume of arrests and legal proceedings.

In response to the escalating drug crisis, significant efforts have been directed towards prevention and awareness. José Bambo, a representative from the GCPCD Prevention Department, detailed extensive campaigns designed to educate the public, particularly adolescents and young people. These initiatives successfully reached over 1.38 million individuals across the country.

The awareness campaigns mobilized more than 21,000 activists who conducted over 14,000 talks in various schools and communities. These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of drug abuse by informing the populace about its dangers and consequences. Despite these widespread prevention activities, the continued rise in both health-related incidents and criminal cases suggests the deep-seated nature of the challenge.

The dramatic rise in individuals seeking treatment for drug-induced disorders, coupled with a significant uptick in criminal cases, underscores a deepening public health and security challenge across Mozambique. The societal ramifications, including family conflicts and the neglect of responsibilities, highlight the urgent need for sustained and comprehensive interventions to address the multifaceted problem of drug abuse and trafficking.

The sharp increase in drug-related criminal cases and health issues in Mozambique signals heightened enforcement and prosecution risks. Lawyers should anticipate a rise in drug-related arrests and prosecutions, requiring a review of defense strategies and potentially advising clients on compliance with drug laws.

Source: Reporting based on official Mozambican data.