Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
POLICE in Zimbabwe have destroyed huge quantities of seized drugs and illicit products, following recent arrests, convictions and sentencing of drug pushers by the courts.
The destruction exercise was carried out on Government orders and involved exhibits linked to drug peddling, trafficking and abuse cases concluded by the courts.
Among the destroyed substances were 292 894kg of crystal meth, 171 024kg of dagga, 128 662 litres of cough syrups, 15 litres of illicit beverages, 77kg of skin-lightening creams, 100 litres of illicit Zimbo Vodka and 86kg of assorted medicines.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the exercise demonstrated that authorities were serious about choking drug networks and removing dangerous substances from communities.
“There is no going back in the fight against drug and substance abuse in the country,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the police would continue to act decisively against suppliers and users alike, warning that seized drugs would never find their way back onto the streets.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will relentlessly enforce the law, arrest offenders and ensure that all exhibits are destroyed as directed by Government,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The destruction comes as part of Zimbabwe’s National Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Policy, which was adopted to address rising cases of addiction, trafficking and drug-related crime, especially among youths.
The policy focuses on prevention, law enforcement, rehabilitation and community awareness, while strengthening coordination between police, health authorities, local leadership and social services.
To give teeth to the policy, Government also set up a National Drug and Substance Abuse Inter-Ministerial Task Force, bringing together security services, health officials, education authorities and social welfare departments. The task force is mandated to clamp down on suppliers, dismantle drug syndicates and expand rehabilitation programmes countrywide.
Police say recent court convictions and the subsequent destruction of drugs show that the strategy is yielding results.
Commissioner Nyathi urged communities to work with law enforcement by reporting drug dealers and illegal brews, saying public cooperation remains critical.
“This fight cannot be won by police alone,” he said. “Communities must stand up and protect the future of our children.”
