Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A ROUTINE night traffic patrol along Birchenough Bridge–Mt Selinda Road turned into a major anti-drug bust after police intercepted an Inter Africa bus carrying 31,5 kilogrammes of dagga hidden inside sacks of bananas.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, warning that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and will not relent in the fight against drug trafficking.
The operation, carried out by ZRP Chipinge Traffic officers, led to the recovery of dagga worth an estimated US$3,500. The suspected owner of the contraband fled into the darkness moments after the illicit cargo was uncovered.
“On December 18, at around 8pm, a team of three police officers from Chipinge Traffic was conducting a motorised patrol when they intercepted the contraband,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The patrol was deployed along the Birchenough Bridge–Mt Selinda Road, a busy route connecting border-adjacent communities and frequently used by public transport operators. During the search, officers detected a strong scent suspected to be dagga emanating from the rear left boot of the bus.
Police pulled down one of the sacks, exposing the concealed dagga and confirming the bust.
“When they searched the sack, they discovered that in the middle of the bananas, there were packs of dagga carefully concealed. This method of concealment is clearly meant to mislead law enforcement officers and avoid detection,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Following the discovery in the first sack, all four banana sacks were removed from the bus and searched.
He said as the officers were processing the discovery and questioning occupants of the bus, the situation took a dramatic turn.
He said police strongly suspect that the person who fled was the owner of the contraband.
The recovered dagga, together with the banana sacks, was immediately escorted to ZRP Chipinge Traffic offices for safekeeping and further processing.
“The dagga was later weighed at ZimPost Chipinge, and it weighed 31 500 grams. Based on current street prices, the estimated value of the recovered dagga is US$3 500,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the police are following up leads, and are confident that arrests will be made soon.
“We are actively pursuing this matter. We urge members of the public who may have information about the suspect or the origin of this consignment to come forward and assist the police,” he said.
He stressed that drug trafficking remains a serious criminal offence with far-reaching consequences for communities, particularly young people. He reiterated that the Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to intensify roadblocks, patrols and searches across Manicaland, especially during the festive season when traffic volumes increase.
