Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Writer
A 28-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared in court after he was allegedly found in possession of an assortment of drugs and unregistered medicines, including dagga, crystal meth, cough syrup, and tablets.
Progress Tapera, of Old Lobengula suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mrs Learnear Khumalo facing charges of unlawful possession of dagga, dangerous drugs and unregistered medicines.
He was remanded in custody to October 20 pending a forensic report.
Prosecuting, Ms Catherine Kuzu told the court that police officers from Njube Police Station received a tip-off on September 5 alleging that Tapera was selling drugs from his residence.
“Acting on the information, the officers proceeded to Tapera’s house, where they found him. They conducted a search, leading to the recovery of 82 sachets of dagga, 26 sachets of crystal meth, two 10×4mg packets of Super Apeti tablets, one bottle of Benylin and one bottle of Astra Pain,” said Ms Kuzu.
The court heard that Tapera failed to produce a licence authorising him to possess the recovered substances. The drugs, valued at US$272, were seized and he was arrested.
Bulawayo has in recent months witnessed a rise in drug-related arrests as police intensify operations under the national anti-drug and substance abuse campaign, launched to curb the growing scourge, particularly among youth.
Law enforcement agencies have been conducting regular raids targeting suspected drug dealers and unlicensed pharmaceutical distributors across the city.
