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Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter
Police have released the names of more than 40 drug dealers and suppliers who have so far been arrested during the ongoing operation against illicit substances countrywide.
Some of them have been convicted while others still have their cases pending before the courts.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the fight against drug lords and suppliers was continuing.
“As the National Committee on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse has stepped up the fight against drug lords and suppliers, Police names and shames the listed drug barons and suppliers.
“Some were convicted at court while others are on remand,” he said.
They are Evans Dube (32) Leeroy Bruce Tungama (28), Gift Maunda (31), Tinashe Murenzvi (24), Nokhutaba Sibanda (31), Lindiwe Mhlanga (25), Onita Dube (31), David Dhidha (48),Raccbi Matekenya (35), Shylin Maredza (31),Anymore Chiseko (28), Tawanda Sibindi (18), Tinashe Nyakunzu (29),Zenzo Mhlanga (43),Simbarashe Mukucha (22), Hilary Motsi, Thembekile Zulu (24), Ronald Mhlanga (24), Honest Ndlovu (22), Linda Sibanda (32) and Salatine Dzangare (52)
Others are Mercy Muzulu ( 29), Hitler Tafadzwa Jungura (34), Ellen Munetsi (32), Christina Tsikwa (67) Bobby Kambangura (27), Tafadzwa Tambudzai (21), Pride Jeferry Machidza (31), Alabi Braima (32), Khulekani Moyo (33), Nomatter Muchemwa (25), Marry Muchemwa (37), Attomey Rudo (34), Bonface Mufundisi (26), Joseph Muleya(23), Nyaradzai Chipfuma, Kirt Ndlovu (24), Cleopas Moyo (21) and Collen Nyakarenga (35).
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that through the National Committee on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, it will not hesitate to name and shame drug barons and suppliers in any part of the country.
“The public is urged to come forward with information through the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800197,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere recently said the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse is determined to achieve the mandate given by Cabinet and will leave no stone unturned in its fight against drug and substance abuse.
Addressing the Manicaland provincial committee on drug and substance abuse in Mutare, Dr Muswere, said drug and substance abuse was now one of the top-ranking disasters wreaking havoc in many societies across the world and Zimbabwe was not spared.
Recent studies done in Zimbabwe revealed an estimated 7,1 percent of young people abuse drugs, with the most prevalent drugs being cannabis, crystal meth, broncleer, skin lighteners, illicit beverages and body enlargement products.
“Children as young as 10 years old are now engaging in drug and substance abuse,” said Dr Muswere.
“Just like Covid-19, drug and substance abuse has affected our nation and in particular the mental health of our most productive age group.
“It is against this background that in April 2022, His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, established the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce to address this menace,” he said.
Recently, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said drug cartels and individuals peddling drugs in Zimbabwe or using the country as a transit point will be hunted down.
Police are also conducting drug abuse awareness campaigns countrywide to save the masses from the devastating effects of dangerous substances.
The CID Drugs and Narcotics section recently embarked on an operation to curb drug abuse code-named, “No to drug and substance abuse” and several suspects were rounded up.
According to the police, the illicit drugs in circulation in the country are classified into the following categories: depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens, narcotics, skin lighteners, body enlargement products and sex enhancers.
Drug abuse is also contributing to the rise in the commission of serious offences.
Online Reporter