Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
TWO suspected drug dealers have been arrested in Bulawayo after police dismantled separate distribution networks and seized huge quantities of marijuana and illicit cough syrup worth more than US$26 000 and ZiG28 000.
The coordinated intelligence-driven operations, carried out over the weekend by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics Unit in Tshabalala and Newton West, exposed what investigators believe are organised supply chains fueling the city’s growing drug and substance abuse crisis.
The raids resulted in the recovery of nearly 32 kilogrammes of marijuana, thousands of bottles of the banned Broncleer cough syrup and packaging materials believed to have been used in the distribution of the illicit drugs.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele yesterday confirmed the arrests and seizures, saying the operations were made possible through information supplied by vigilant members of the public.
She said the first raid was carried out on Friday in Tshabalala after detectives received intelligence that Annet Sebele (38) was allegedly operating a drug supply business from her residence.
“On August 1, 2026, at around 11:00 hours, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics Bulawayo received information that Annet Sebele was operating a drug supply business at her place of residence,” said Insp Msebele.
Detectives swiftly descended on the property where they arrested the suspect and allegedly recovered four cobs of dagga weighing 1, 8 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ZIG28 000.
The drugs were reportedly concealed inside a satchel the suspect was carrying, while detectives also recovered several empty sachets suspected to have been intended for repackaging the dagga into smaller quantities for sale.
Investigations did not end there, said Insp Msebele, adding that during questioning, Sebele allegedly implicated Fortune Tshabalala (42), also of Tshabalala, whom detectives later tracked down and arrested at another house believed to have been used as a storage point for the drugs.
Hours later, detectives struck again, this time in Newton West and uncovered what police suspect is a far larger drug trafficking operation.
Insp Msebele said acting on fresh intelligence received in the early hours of Sunday morning, detectives mounted surveillance at a house believed to be operating as a distribution base for dangerous drugs.
“On August 2, 2026, at around 04:00 hours, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics Bulawayo received information that there were persons dealing in dangerous drugs at a house in Newton West, Bulawayo,” said Insp Msebele.
She said as detectives watched the property, as a white Honda Vezel drove into the premises. The operation took a dramatic turn when officers identified themselves.
“Instead of surrendering, the suspects allegedly sped into the yard, locked the gate behind them before abandoning the vehicle and escaping on foot by jumping over the perimeter wall into nearby bushland under the cover of darkness,” said Insp Msebele.
Although the suspects managed to evade arrest, detectives conducted a thorough search of the premises, uncovering a massive cache of illicit drugs.
“Recovered were 36 cobs of dagga weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, 58 boxes of Broncleer cough syrup, each containing 50 bottles of 100ml, as well as 447 loose 100ml bottles of the banned cough syrup. The recovered contraband has a combined street value of US$26 429, said Insp Msebele.
The seizure is one of the biggest drug recoveries recorded in Bulawayo in recent months and comes as law enforcement agencies intensify a nationwide crackdown on drug syndicates accused of targeting youths and destroying communities.
Insp Msebele said police have since launched investigations to identify and arrest the suspects who fled from the Newton West property.
She applauded members of the public whose information led to the successful operations and urged residents to continue working closely with police to root out drug traffickers.
“We appreciate members of the public for supplying information, which led to the arrest of the accused persons. We also warn those unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs that the law will take its course without fear or favour,” she said.
