Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
POLICE in Kwekwe have arrested over 100 suspects linked to illicit drug dealings and dismantled more than 60 drug-dens in and around the city.
The crackdown against illicit substance operations has also led to the seizure of over 60kg of cannabis, crystal meth and broncleer in one of the largest raids conducted in Kwekwe’s known drug hotspots.
Among those arrested, 10 are believed to be key figures operating in the Midlands Province.
The police are also concerned that most of the illegal substances are being smuggled into the country, with dealers now using sophisticated ways to conceal the contraband from law enforcement agents until they reach the intended destinations.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, was recently shown the confiscated drugs at Kwekwe Police Station where the Officer Commanding CID Kwekwe/Gokwe District, Superintendent Prince Magwizi, revealed the details.
The senior police officer said the operation was a huge success, and vowed to continue the crackdown to flush out all illegal drug dealers.
“The police operation we conducted last week resulted in the apprehension of 103 people suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade and distribution of illicit substances,” he said.
A total of 63 drug and substance bases were also busted during the operation,” said Supt Magwizi.
He revealed that the cunning dealers were getting more and sneakier in their operations as they smuggle the drugs and substances into the country.
In some instances, the police have indicated that the drug dealers were now using the cover of cooking oil, cardboard boxes and sometimes putting the bottles at the top to conceal the drugs.
“One new trend is to conceal the substances in several wrapping papers, and they spray some heavy scent of perfume to ensure that they conceal the drugs,” said Supt Magwizi.
“You will need to be a genius to beat them in the game. However, it takes the community’s assistance for us to execute the task at hand. The community is well aware of the drug dealers’ activities, and we are appealing for such information to have a drug-free society.”
Police officer commanding crime and operations in the province, Assistant, Commissioner Helena Mahonde, said the Kwekwe raid is the beginning of the broader fight against drug and substance abuse in the province.
“We are all out to deal with this scourge. The President has given us the signal, and the time to act is now. We are all out, and it is going to be very hot.
“Our teams are all out, and I can assure you that we will win this war,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister Ncube commended the work by the law enforcement agents in dealing with the drug and substance abuse menace.
“I commend the Officer Commanding Kwekwe District, Alson Chapeta, and his hardworking and committed team for taking the lead in dismantling 53 drug bases in Amaveni, Mbizo, Redcliff and Torwood and accounting for the drug peddlers, who are now behind bars and facing prosecution,” he said.
“To this end, the following contraband was recovered and is on display today. I urge other stations to emulate the sterling efforts by Kwekwe District.”
