Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
POLICE’S efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking are yielding positive results, following the arrest of two dagga (mbanje) growers in Makoni District on Monday.
The suspects – Collin Manyara (30), of Masvosva Village under Chief Makoni and James Bvekerwa (34), of Samunderu Village under Chief Svosve – were found in possession of 116kg haul of dagga.
An alert CID Rusape dragnet squad swooped on Manyara and Bvekerwa at the former’s homestead, catching them preparing to transport the dagga to an undisclosed destination.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said Manyara and Bvekerwa allegedly cultivated the dagga in the former’s garden, situated approximately 800 meters from his homestead.
The garden, now a scene of illicit activity, was found to be overgrown with a substantial number of mature dagga plants.
The once-thriving garden had been transformed into a densely-packed dagga plot.
“On June 2, ZRP Rusape Rural received a tip-off to the effect that Manyara and Bvekerwa were in possession of dagga at Manyara’s homestead, and were planning to transport it to an unknown destination. The station alerted detectives who were on surveillance in the area. The detectives swiftly reacted to the information and managed to arrest the two at the homestead.
“They conducted searches in Manyara’s one-roomed thatched hut, and recovered some loose dagga stashed in 2x90kg sacks and 8x50kg sacks. Investigations carried out indicated that the accused persons grew the dagga in Manyara’s garden, which is about 800m from his homestead.
“The dagga was taken to the police station as exhibit. The accused persons will appear in court soon, and further investigations are underway,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The Masvosva and Dewedzo areas of Makoni West have gained notoriety as a hub for dagga cultivation, with the illicit crop predominantly grown in the mountainous ranges.
The region has long been associated with large-scale dagga production, posing significant challenges to law enforcement efforts.
Online Reporter