Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 35-year-old man from Lower Gweru has appeared in court after he was allegedly found in illegal possession of 47 sachets of dagga weighing 23 kilogrammes, with a street value of ZWL697 500. Valentine Bhebhe, of Skhupa Village, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, on charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs. He was remanded in custody to 9 October.
Prosecutor Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on September 23, detectives on surveillance received a tip-off that Bhebhe had concealed dagga in his luggage, which he was offloading at a car park in Emakhandeni suburb, Bulawayo. The court heard that at around 7AM, detectives confronted the suspect, identified themselves, and requested to search his bag
“A search was conducted and detectives found three wrapped plastic bundles containing 47 sealed transparent packets of dagga,” said Ms Kuzu.
When asked to produce a permit authorising possession of the drugs, Bhebhe failed to do so, leading to his arrest. Both the recovered dagga and the accused were taken to the police station.
The case comes at a time when authorities are intensifying efforts to clamp down on drug and substance abuse. Police and community leaders have repeatedly raised concern over the growth of drug trafficking networks pushing harmful substances such as crystal meth, broncleer, and dagga into both urban and rural communities.
The Government recently launched the National Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, to co-ordinate the fight against the scourge, which has destroyed many lives, particularly among the youth.
