Vusumuzi Dube
Clementine Phulu, Sunday News Reporter
MORE than 2 000 people have so far been arrested countrywide under the ongoing police operation against drug suppliers and peddlers.
In a statement on social media (twitter), police confirmed that 2 234 people have so far been arrested in the country in the operation code-named: “No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances: See something, say something”, that came after the Government instructed police to redouble their efforts against drug lords.
During the operation, police recovered large quantities of mbanje, crystal methamphetamine commonly referred to as mutoriro and bottles of banned addictive cough syrups such as Broncleer, Benylin with codeine and Adco-Salterpyn syrup, among other illicit substances.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the operation would be continuing until there was sanity.
“This operation will continue up until there is stability on issues to do with drugs. We appeal to members of the public to continue supporting the police and the Government in the fight against drugs by blowing the whistle on those supplying drugs in communities,” said Insp Ncube.
On 12 February, police arrested 96 people across the country, with another 24 picked up the following day.
Insp Ncube said police were going to continue conducting raids, stop and searches, manning roadblocks and also targeting those involved in smuggling at the country’s exit and entry points.
As the operation against drug suppliers and peddlers intensifies, police and other authorities have strengthened their observations and checks at all border crossings.
There have been reports that many of the cross-border drivers are paid to sneak illegal substances into the country and deliver them to dealers and peddlers.
Inter-city bus drivers are also part of the distribution network.
Police have, however, warned that they were on high alert and any driver found with drugs will be arrested and prosecuted and their buses or haulage trucks impounded.
Online Reporter