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Crime Reporter 

Police have applauded citizens for supplying credible information that led to the arrest of drug peddlers in recent days.

Some of the cases that came after the public provided vital information to the police are pending before the courts, while others are still being investigated.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The ZRP expresses gratitude and appreciation to members of the public who have supplied credible information leading to the arrest of drug peddlers in the country. 

“Some of the cases are pending before courts while others are still under investigations.”

At least 93 drug peddlers have so far been arrested and police recovered drugs worth over $8,2 million.

The arrests were done under the ongoing operation code-named “No to Crystal Meth”.

The suspects were arrested between May 10 and 17 countrywide. 

Of the 93 arrested, 26 are still in custody, while 67 others have been convicted and are awaiting to be sentenced.

Police have intensified the operation and warned drug peddlers that they will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law.

The operation comes after 201 people were arrested last month on allegations of selling dangerous drugs and smoking mbanje in and around Harare.

A police crackdown on drug peddlers and syndicates started recently, with 143 peddlers arrested and their bases destroyed in raids focusing on Harare and Chitungwiza. 

Those raids specifically concentrated on Mbare, Mabvuku, Epworth, Dzivarasekwa, Glen Norah, Mufakose, Southview and Highfield suburbs and Chitungwiza.

Most of the offenders were arrested while smoking mbanje, while others were caught selling sex-enhancing tablets and other illicit drugs such as BronCleer.

In most suburbs, criminal dealers sell dangerous drugs to adults and children in broad day light.

Besides mbanje, probably still the most popular illegal drug, other commonly abused drugs are crystal methamphetamine commonly known as “mutoriro”, “dombo” or “guka”, plus ganja cakes, a prohibited cough syrup called BronCleer (bronco), and illicit beers known as “musombodhiya” in street lingo.

Cocaine has been appearing, with a recent drug mule found with 4,3kg as he tried to enter Zimbabwe.

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 would 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 a number of suspects were rounded up.

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. 

Police have attributed the drug abuse to the rise of serious offences.