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POLICE arrested a suspected drug dealer in Bulawayo yesterday, seizing nearly 2 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine whose estimated street value is US$7 000 while the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) intercepted 163 kilogrammes of marijuana whose street value is US$32 600 at Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday.
The latest busts come amid growing concerns over the widespread abuse of drugs in communities, which has been linked to a surge in violent crime, including robberies and fatal confrontations.
Government has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling and trade of narcotics in the country.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Pigors Tyron Siegfried (39) of Matsheumhlope suburb for unlawful possession of Crystal Meth.
Comm Nyathi said police had been monitoring Siegfried since February before pouncing on him yesterday.
Acting on information gathered since February, detectives raided Siegfried’s home, finding the drugs stashed in a Lobels biscuit box, a Puma sneaker box, a dictionary-shaped safe and a large blue metal trunk in his bedroom.
Comm Nyathi said two small measuring scales used during packaging of the drugs were also seized.
“Police acted on information that they received about the suspect dealing in drugs. They pounced on him at his residence, where they discovered the drugs in his bedroom. The confiscated substance tested positive for crystal meth,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said they are now working to establish Siegfried’s supply chain and possible accomplices in the illicit drug trade.
In a statement, Zimra’s Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, said the intercepted South African truck driver was trying to smuggle marijuana into the country on Sunday.
The drugs were discovered during a routine inspection at 4AM, concealed within a South African-registered Hino Horse truck carrying vehicles, which was in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ms Chinamasa said customs officials, utilising K9 units, located the drugs hidden under blankets and plastic wrapping.
She said the matter is under police investigation.
“The trafficking of illegal drugs poses a significant threat to our society. Zimra will continue to diligently safeguard our borders against drugs and illicit substances,” said Ms Chinamasa.
She commended Zimra officials for their vigilance and urged the public to assist in the fight against drug trafficking.
In a recent operation, police intercepted and impounded more than 50 buses and 20 haulage trucks found transporting illegal drugs.
One of the buses was found with 71kgs of dagga while other buses and trucks were found with illicit alcohol imported from neighbouring countries.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the bus drivers and conductors could not name the owners of the dagga and illicit alcohol.
“Police impounded close to 50 buses and trucks being used to transport illicit beers, dagga and other prohibited goods into the country,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said the operation against drug and substance abuse is ongoing and police are on the ground to bring all the culprits to book.
He said the recent bust has resulted in multiple arrests and seizure of narcotics that could have flooded the streets, potentially putting countless individuals at risk.
“We are focused on dismantling these networks that are not only bringing drugs into our communities but are also perpetuating a cycle of addiction and crime,” said Comm Nyathi.
In the past few weeks, police have been conducting raids, targeting houses believed to be linked to drug activity.
Comm Nyathi said police over the last 30 days arrested many drug dealers and seized different types of narcotics. He warned transport operators against transporting contraband.
“Anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be arrested without fear or favour,” said Comm Nyathi.
He said police have also noted with concern the rising number of rape and murder cases involving men believed to be under the influence of drugs and other prohibited substances.
“As I said, it is disturbing to note that there are some illegal activities at various company premises where some drinks laced with a higher percentage of alcohol are being made. Such drinks, with medicinal and sex-enhancing claims, have been blamed for increasing cases of rape and murder countrywide,” said Comm Nyathi.
Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, following the arrest of socialite who is accused of peddling drugs, Gary Bell last month, police have stepped up their game in the fight against drug-related activities.
The buzz around Bell’s arrest has stirred the community into action.
Over the weekend, several houses were raided in the city, with one of them reportedly being rented by a former associate of Bell.
A police source said the raid led to a series of important discoveries that can aid their investigations.
Authorities have launched a series of raids targeting homes and establishments linked to the drug trade, aiming to dismantle networks that have thrived in the shadows.
Residents are relieved by the police’s proactive stance. “Its time we feel safe in our neighbourhoods,” said Council of Churches in Africa leader, Bishop Dr Rocky Moyo.
He said there has been a sense of fear and uncertainty that has hung over Bulawayo, which is gradually being replaced by hope that these actions will lead to a cleaner and safer community.
Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson Mr Winos Dube said drug and substance abuse is worrisome and the problem was cascading to primary school children.
“Every time we make a move against drug activity, it sends a clear message. We want our community to know that we are here to protect them and we will not turn a blind eye,” he said.
“The recent busts are just the beginning and we hope the police are committed to making Bulawayo a safer place for everyone,” said Mr Dube.
He said residents are cautiously optimistic, with many noticing heightened police presence in neighbourhoods.
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