dyton mupawaenda
Crime Reporter
Police on Sunday arrested another 54 drug peddlers countrywide under the ongoing special operation dubbed “No to dangerous drugs” which has so far seen more than 1 000 drug peddlers being convicted.
Over 6 260 suspects have been accounted for under the intensifying operation and most of them have appeared in court with more than 300 convictions already passed.
The operation was launched following reports of rampant drug abuse, especially among the youths.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the latest arrests and those that have been convicted, saying the operation would continue.
“On May 7, 2023, police arrested 54 people under operation “No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances,” bringing cumulative arrests to 6 268,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said on May 3, police on motorised patrol along Harare-Nyamapanda Road intercepted a Harare bound bus at the 207km peg and arrested Collin Kanhukamwe (49) and Brian Samu (35) with a large haul of illegal drugs and illegally imported medicines.
The contraband comprised, 200x100ml bottles of Angimox–CV 312.5 mg, 88x100ml bottles of Amoxicillin Oral Suspension BP 250mg/5ml, 24 bottlesx1000 tablets Cotrimoxazole tablets BP 480mg, three boxesx20 tablets Triclofem Medroxypregestrone Acetate 150mg/ml, 150 boxesx10x three tablets Azithroomycin tablets USP 500mg 24 bottles x 500 tablets Ciprofloxacin tablets USP 500mg, nine bottles x 1000 tablets Ibuprofen tablets BP 200mg, four bottles x 500 tablets Metronidazole tablets BP 250mg, 100 bottles x 100ml Azicin-s Azithromycin Oral Suspension 200mg/5ml, 25 bottles x 100ml Amoxicilina Para Suspension Oral BP 250mg/5ml.
The drugs were recovered in three sacks which were stashed in the boot.
Pharmaceuticals are imported duty free but have to conform to standards set by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and importers need to be licensed so that the drugs are handled safely.
Police recently came up with vigorous strategies aimed at bringing to book drug dealers and associated accomplices who are supplying drugs to schoolchildren and youths.
This comes after an increase in reports of learners and youths who are taking drugs countrywide.
Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has urged learners to shun drugs and concentrate on their educational development.
“As our children strive to lay a solid foundation for a brighter future, it is however disturbing to note that the scourge of drug and substance abuse is threatening to wipe out tomorrow’s leaders,” he said. “It is important for everyone, that is, youths, parents, religious and traditional organisations, Government, civil society, among others, to join hands in eradicating this devastating scourge.
“On our part as police, we shall continue to vigorously carry out various strategies aimed at bringing drug dealers and associated accomplices to book.
“To all those involved in such illicit activities, be warned that soon and I repeat, soon we will put you behind bars. To schoolchildren, I say, please shun drugs and concentrate on your educational development. Above all, obey your parents and be an obedient child who always cherishes hard work.”
Comm Gen Matanga urged learners never to be intimidated or fall prey to peer pressure, always remembering the future lay in their hands to develop or to destroy.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter