Online Reporter
Peter Matika
Five men have been arrested in Bulawayo after police intercepted a vehicle towing a trailer loaded with 360 kilogrammes of loose dagga with an estimated street value of ZiG10,8 million.
In a statement, Bulawayo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest of Gordon Nkowu (58), Nkosiyabo Moyo (57), Shepherd Nkomo (43), Beven Sibanda (40) and Isaiah Moyo (31) in connection with unlawful possession and trafficking of dangerous drugs.
The suspects were intercepted along the Bulawayo–Solusi Road while travelling in a Toyota Hilux Single Cab, registration number DN08VG-GP, which was towing a trailer, registration number KW27Y2-GP.
Police said the trailer was laden with 360kg of loose dagga, which had allegedly been smuggled into the country from South Africa through Botswana.
The recovered consignment has an estimated value of ZiG10,8 million.
The arrests come as law enforcement agencies continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking syndicates and the illegal movement of dangerous substances across the country’s borders.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that drug and substance abuse remains a major national concern, particularly among youths, with Government and law enforcement agencies stepping up efforts to dismantle supply networks responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs.
Police have, in recent months, recorded some significant drug busts at border posts and along major highways as traffickers increasingly use vehicles, buses and cross-border routes to smuggle narcotics into the country.
Police investigations into the latest case are continuing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
derick.khumalo