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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo arrested three drug dealers this week and recovered illegal substances including crystal meth and cocaine.
Since January this year more than 7 200 drug peddlers were arrested countrywide and drugs with a street value estimated at $38 million were recovered.
The country is recording an increase in substance abuse which has seen institutions such as Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo admitting more patients.
The institution recently revealed that 40 percent of its new admissions are youths.
In a statement yesterday, National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said cops have stepped up efforts to arrest drug peddlers.
“On (Wednesday) 24th November 2021, police arrested Nomsa Sharon Ndebele (25) in Bulawayo for possession of 1,45 kilogrammes of dagga at Sizane Bus Stop (in Pelandaba suburb).
Following a tip-off from members of the public, police recovered two packs of loose dagga in two separate plastic bags from the suspect,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“In another case, on (Tuesday) 23rd November 2021, police in Bulawayo arrested Sithokozile Dube (33) for possession of 0,003 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The drugs were hidden underneath the bed.
Upon noticing that she had been cornered by detectives, the suspect refused to cooperate and was exposed by the recovery.”
He said on Monday police arrested Arnold Kuzakwenhamo (37) from Mpopoma after he was found in possession of 0.004 kgs of cocaine.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the suspect tried to escape but was apprehended while hiding in a toilet.
“The suspect was arrested after a tip-off from members of the public and upon noticing that he had been surrounded by detectives, the suspect sped off in a navy-blue Subaru vehicle registration number ADF 6540.
A high-speed chase ensued,” said Asst Com Nyathi.
“The suspect was later arrested while hiding in a toilet after his vehicle had been involved in a road traffic accident.
Two sachets of cocaine were recovered while hidden in the suspect’s pants and two more sachets were recovered in the vehicle.”
He said efforts to rid society of drug peddlers have seen 7 263 suspects being arrested and drugs with a street value estimated at $38 million recovered since January.
Ass Comm Nyathi appealed to members of the public to report suspected drug peddllers to the police. — @nqotshili
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