Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
IN a clean-up operation, police have destroyed massive quantities of dangerous drugs and unregistered medicines at two major sites in Harare, torching narcotics worth millions that were clogging court dockets and threatening public health.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the destruction was coordinated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), targeting substances seized in cases that had already been finalised by the courts.
The exercise took place at Sally Mugabe Hospital’s incineration facility and the Chitungwiza Municipality litter dumping site, in line with the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chapter 15:02.
Among the obliterated substances were 333.2 kilogrammes of dagga, 293 dagga plants, a staggering 214 kilogrammes of unregistered medicines, and 14 140 litres of unspecified liquid medicines, all burnt, buried, or rendered useless.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to rid communities of harmful substances and ensure that drugs seized during law enforcement operations are properly disposed of once court processes are complete,” said Comm Nyathi.
The stockpile is believed to have been amassed from drug busts across the country, as police intensify operations targeting illegal drug syndicates and backyard dealers.
Medical experts and community leaders have applauded the destruction, warning that some of the unregistered medicines pose serious health risks, including fatal overdoses.
“This is sends a clear message that Zimbabwe is not a playground for drug peddlers,” said a health official at the incineration site.
The police say they will continue to clamp down on drug trafficking and abuse, urging members of the public to report suspected drug dealings in their communities.
As the smoke clears over Harare’s skies, the war on drugs gathers momentum.
