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Crime Reporter
At least 29 people have been arrested on allegations of dealing in illicit drugs such as Crystal Methamphetamine, commonly known as “Mutoriro”, “Dombo” or “Guka”, Marijuana and BronCleer also known as “Bronco” under an ongoing operation targeting dangerous drugs in the country.
Some of the suspects were fined various amounts while others are expected to appear in court. The suspects were arrested under operation ‘No To Crystal Meth’ between October 25 and yesterday.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests and said the operation was continuing.
“The ZRP has intensified operation, ‘No To Crystal Meth’ targeting all drug peddlers and drug abusers. From October 25, 2021 to November 1, 2021, police arrested 29 people and seized 0,005kgs of Crystal Meth, 4x100mls of BronCleer, 0,60kgs dagga and 200ml of harmful liquid.
“Meanwhile, Police urges the public to shun dealing in illicit drugs for the safety of communities and the country in general,” he said.
Abuse of the dangerous drug called crystal methamphetamine, by youths has reached alarming levels with at least 100 young men and women appearing at the Harare Magistrates’ Court in the past three months.
The flood of cases for dealing or possession closely mirrors the flood of drug-induced mental illness which is threatening to overwhelm the two psychiatric units at Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Central Hospitals in Harare.
Most of those developing mental illness from the drug are not in hospital or being treated as outpatients, the majority of the mental patients can be seen roaming the streets with others behaving abnormally at shopping centres.
In most communities, young boys and girls who abuse the dangerous drug have changed in behaviour but they remain part of the community until the illness becomes more pronounced.
They are only taken to psychiatric units when they turn violent, show suicidal tendencies, or cause problems to others.
At the Harare Magistrates’ Court, the cases now come daily, a development that prompted the authorities to allocate the cases to the Special Anti-Corruption Court, which has, since July this year handled at least 100 cases of either possessing Crystal Meth or abusing it.
Although drug addicts may abuse other dangerous drugs like the prohibited cough syrup called BronCleer (Bronco) and illicit beers known as “Musombodhiya” in street lingo, Crystal Meth is dominating the serious end of the drug abuse spectrum.
Of the 100 or so cases involving Crystal Meth seen at Harare Magistrates Court over the past three months, 23 involved women.
So far, three people have since been convicted and jailed over possession of Crystal Meth.
Online Reporter