Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
POLICE in the Midlands Province working with other security agents and communities have dismantled 73 drug bases and arrested 386 suspects in a province-wide crackdown on drug and substance abuse.
The raids, conducted across urban, rural and mining communities, resulted in the seizure of large quantities of marijuana, crystal meth (mutoriro) and Broncleer cough syrup, among other illicit substances.
Authorities say most of the drugs were smuggled into the country through border points, with dealers using increasingly sophisticated methods to evade detection.
The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, confirmed the development, saying the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eradicate drug and substance abuse, which continues to wreak havoc among the youth.
“Police in the Midlands Province have dismantled 73 drug bases and arrested 386 individuals suspected of drug abuse and peddling in a major crackdown on illicit substance activities,” he said.
Minister Ncube said Kwekwe and Shurugwi have emerged as hotspots for drug trafficking and abuse, fuelling a surge in violent crimes, prostitution and other social ills.
“Drug and substance abuse is no longer confined to urban centres but has sadly spread to rural and mining communities.
“It is disheartening to note that schools have not been spared and are now prone to dangerous substances such as crystal meth (mutoriro), tsunami and ganja cakes, among others,” he said.
Minister Ncube urged learners and young people to stay away from drugs, warning of the severe mental and physical health risks associated with substance abuse.
“To our learners, I urge you all to desist from engaging in drug and substance abuse, as it is illegal and detrimental to both your mental and physical health,” he said.
The Minister commended the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for spearheading national anti-drug campaigns through her Angel of Hope Foundation, which runs the Mbare Drug and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre.
“The centre offers medical treatment, basic education, counselling and structured physical activities. Already, 171 youths are undergoing skills training at Dadaya Youth Services Centre here in the Midlands,” he said.
Minister Ncube also commended the City of Kwekwe for setting up the Amaveni Drug and Substance Abuse Centre, which is already operational and offering outpatient rehabilitation services.
He called on communities to unite in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Members of the public are urged to adopt the Whole-of-Government, society and economy approach in confronting the scourge,” he said.
Minister Ncube highlighted that the Government has intensified its fight against the problem through the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and the launch of a Multi-Sectoral Action Plan.
He also cited the recent enactment of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2025, which strengthens law enforcement powers and outlines penalties for drug-related offences.
Authorities say the proliferation of drugs such as mutoriro (crystal meth), broncleer and ganja cakes has led to an increase in school dropouts, gender-based violence and mental health cases.
The Government has since rolled out a national anti-drug strategy, targeting rehabilitation, law enforcement and public education. The recent arrests and dismantling of drug bases are part of this broader national campaign, which aligns with President Mnangagwa’s call for a drug-free generation and community-led vigilance in reporting offenders.
