Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Mashonaland East Province remains fully committed to combating drugs and substance abuse through strengthened law enforcement operations, anti-smuggling initiatives, awareness campaigns and multi-sectoral collaboration, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has said.
Advocate Ndudzo made the remarks during a press conference with the media in Marondera today, where he briefed journalists on the milestones made in the fight against drug and substance abuse in Mashonaland East Province in April this year.
Some of the operations resulted in the arrest of people dealing in dangerous or prohibited drugs.
During his remarks, Advocate Ndudzo challenged communities to keep working together with the relevant authorities in the fight to end drug and substance abuse.
“Communities are encouraged to continue working closely with authorities by reporting drug-related activities and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting public health, community wellbeing and the future of young people.
“The Province will continue intensifying operations against the supply, trafficking and distribution of illegal substances, while strengthening prevention and awareness programmes targeting schools, communities, churches and other key institutions.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant, support law enforcement agencies and promote positive, healthy and productive lifestyles among youths. Together, through collective action and shared responsibility, Mashonaland East Province can build safer, healthier and drug-free communities.”
Advocate Ndudzo said that through the police and other law enforcement agencies, several arrests were made in connection with dealing in dangerous or prohibited drugs.
“A total of nine accused persons were arrested as police and other law enforcement agencies intensified operations targeting drug trafficking, possession of dangerous drugs, illegal sale of medicines and related criminal activities.
“Police arrested one male adult at the 47-kilometre peg along the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway for possession of dangerous drugs. Recovered during the operation was 500 grams of crystal meth, with an estimated street value of US$5,000. Investigations into the source and intended destination of the drugs are ongoing.
“At Chirombo Village in Domboshava, two people were arrested for contravening Sections 29(1), 50 and 52 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act [Chapter 15:03], relating to the illegal sale of medicines. The accused persons appeared before the courts, were found guilty and each was fined US$100.”
He went on to say that two more people were arrested at Mutondo Business Centre and Sirewu Village under Chief NeChombo in Mudzi District for possession of dangerous drugs and unspecified medicines.
“Recovered during the operation were 25 sachets of dagga and 19 x 100ml bottles of Benylin cough syrup. The estimated street value of the recovered dagga and Benylin is under assessment by law enforcement agencies. The accused persons were remanded in custody pending further investigations and court proceedings.
“He added that another arrest was made at the 104-kilometre peg along the Harare–Masvingo Road near Featherstone, where one person was found in possession of unregistered medicines. Police recovered 296 x 100ml bottles of BronCleer cough syrup, which is commonly abused as an intoxicating substance, particularly among youths.
“Advocate Ndudzo said other efforts the Province is making include anti-smuggling operations.
“The Province continued implementing anti-smuggling operations aimed at curbing the illegal movement, distribution and supply of illicit drugs and unregistered medicines. Law enforcement agencies intensified surveillance activities, roadblocks, vehicle searches and intelligence-driven operations along major highways and border-linked routes commonly used by drug traffickers and smugglers. As a result of these operations, three accused persons were arrested for smuggling-related offences during the month under review. These arrests form part of the total of nine arrests recorded during the reporting period.
“Also, awareness campaigns on drugs and substance abuse were intensified across the province, with particular focus on youths, school-going children and vulnerable communities. A total of 16,120 people were reached through awareness and educational programmes.”
