Police launch blitz on ‘dollar deals’

POLICE have launched a national blitz on illegal entities selling alcohol, popularly known as “dollar deals”, as part of consolidated efforts to curb the highly prevalent drug and substance abuse dogging the country.

Popularly referred to as “dollar deals”, the illegal players mostly sell various liquor brands, which they would have smuggled into the country, from their cars and backyard shops.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said this was part of Government and police efforts to curtail drug and substance abuse.

“We are working with various stakeholders in our continued efforts to stop drug and substance abuse. This new scourge of dollar deals not only births drunkards and alcoholics but also cripples legitimate players in the alcohol industry,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said police have partnered with various stakeholders in the ongoing blitz.

“We are working in unison with various stakeholders that include even the Liquor Licensing Board. We urge the public to come forward with information that can lead to the apprehension of these criminals, as they are not only crippling local players but the country’s economy. They avoid paying tax and they must be answerable for that,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said members of the public should be wary of the cheap alcohol, which is sold at give-away prices, saying such products are fake or expired.

“Some of these products are bootleg or expired. Who in their normal senses would buy a known expensive bottle of whiskey at half the price? It is not normal. People should consider their health before purchasing these alcoholic beverages,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

He said stiff penalties will be implemented on those found on the wrong side of the law.

“We are experiencing a paradigm shift from what had become a norm as citizens have come on board in fighting this scourge that is threatening the very existence of our youth.

“They are the future of the country and we cannot watch them wasting away from drugs,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Drug and substance abuse is increasingly becoming a peace and security threat with most of the affected young people being involved in violent activities that threaten social harmony.

Government has declared drug and substance abuse as a national threat and has since established a technical committee to address the scourge.

Young people constitute the majority of drug and substance users and concerns have been raised that some of them were even abusing unconventional drugs, including fluorescent lamp powder and elements from diapers.

Last year police in Bulawayo seized drugs worth $8 million in raids as the province ratchets pressure on suppliers and users.

Also, as part of efforts to mitigate the use of drugs and substances, police have been naming and shaming drug lords, users and peddlers.

Ironically, women constituted a sizeable number of drug dealers that were named and shamed by police as part of its efforts to fight the drug and substance abuse menace.

Thirteen women were named among 40 people from across the country who are involved in drug peddling that were named and shamed last year.

Of the 13 women, five are from Bulawayo and they were found in possession of an assortment of drugs that includes dagga and crystal meth.

Most of the drug dealers had already been convicted and serving various jail terms while others had pending court cases.