MAJOR DRUG SUPPLIER NABBED

Lovemore Kadzura

Mutare Bureau

THE fight against drug and substance abuse is continuing to bear fruit with the arrest of a suspected leading supplier in Nyanga who was busted with two plots of 837 dagga plants and five kilogrammes of dagga last week.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest of Patrick Makundanyika (52) of Sanyabako Village under Chief Saunyama.

He is suspected to be a major source of dagga in and around Nyanga.

“Police detectives received information to the effect that Makundanyika was dealing in dangerous drugs and is a major supplier to most illegal dealers in Nyanga District.

“Police carried out surveillance and managed to identify the accused person’s homestead and field.

“On February 4, 2026, at around 5.30 pm, police visited the accused person’s house and located him. “Police, with the accused person’s consent, searched his bedroom and recovered a bowl of loose dagga.”

Ass-Insp Chinyoka added:

“Detectives also searched his spare bedroom and recovered some loose dagga stashed in a 50kg sack.

“The accused person led police to his garden where he showed 450 plants of dagga, which were uprooted and recovered as exhibits.

“Accused person also led police to his second garden where 387 plants were recovered.

“The total number of plants recovered is 837, measuring an average height of 1.2 meters. The dagga was weighed at Nyanga Zimpost and it weighed 5,1 kgs.”

Ass-Insp Chinyoka also confirmed the arrest of Garikai Magumo of Maripita Village, under Chief Musikavanhu, who was allegedly found with 48 dagga plants in his garden.

Police have also arrested Siluze Ncube, 24, and Clifford Mufambi, both of Checheche, after they were allegedly found with 49x100ml of broncleer syrup which they were selling.

“We would like to warn people to desist from dealing in prohibited drugs and substances,” said Ass-Insp Chinyoka.

“Drugs are a danger to society and any person found violating the law will be dealt with according to the law.

“People must report any persons dealing in drugs to their nearest police stations.”