Big fish escape anti-drugs blitz, nets 40 suppliers
Harare-THE National Committee on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse has stepped up the fight against drug lords and suppliers,but several big fish were not part of the list released by police this week.
In a stament police spokesperson said among the list “some were convicted at court while others are on remand.”
The list includes 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 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.
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 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.
