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Crime Reporter

A 38-year-old Chivi man was arrested on allegations of cultivating and selling mbanje, as the police continue to declare war on drug peddlers countrywide.

The suspect, John Mavuka is still assisting police with investigations.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of John Mavuka (38) for cultivating dagga at Gwenhamo Village, Chivi. Police recovered 31 twists, two kilogrammes of prepared dagga, 2 000 seedlings and over 1 000 mature plants in the suspect’s garden,” 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 with a view to save the masses from the devastating effects of the 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 at least 30 suspects were arrested for abusing and dealing in illicit drugs in this initial round 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 commission of serious offences, the police said.