News / National
5 women arrested in dagga and illegal drug bust
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Police in Manicaland have arrested five women after they were caught with dagga, unregistered medicine, and illicit beer during a crackdown on illegal vendors at Redwing Mine in Penhalonga earlier this month.
The suspects - Grace Tagara (41), Betha Maakanengwa (31), Tadiwanashe Mandisodza (21), Patience Sithole (24), and Rumbidzai Hlabiso (32) - are facing charges under Section 157(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 09:23] for the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and substances.
Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrests, saying the operation was part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on illegal vending activities and drug abuse hotspots around the mining area.
"On June 9 at around 2pm, officers conducted a raid at Mbare cabins, an informal trading site within the Redwing Mine compound. During the raid, five women were found in possession of dagga and unregistered medicine. In particular, Betha Maakanengwa was found with aviator tablets, illicit beer, and 72 grams of dagga," said Chinyoka.
Further searches at the scene uncovered a total of 180 grams of dagga, unregistered pills, and additional bottles of illicit alcohol.
The police said all the recovered substances will be tendered in court as exhibits.
Authorities have warned that similar operations will continue across Manicaland and other hotspot areas as part of efforts to curb drug and substance abuse, which has become a growing concern in communities, especially around informal trading and mining sites.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious drug-related activities to the nearest police station.
The suspects - Grace Tagara (41), Betha Maakanengwa (31), Tadiwanashe Mandisodza (21), Patience Sithole (24), and Rumbidzai Hlabiso (32) - are facing charges under Section 157(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 09:23] for the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and substances.
Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrests, saying the operation was part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on illegal vending activities and drug abuse hotspots around the mining area.
"On June 9 at around 2pm, officers conducted a raid at Mbare cabins, an informal trading site within the Redwing Mine compound. During the raid, five women were found in possession of dagga and unregistered medicine. In particular, Betha Maakanengwa was found with aviator tablets, illicit beer, and 72 grams of dagga," said Chinyoka.
Further searches at the scene uncovered a total of 180 grams of dagga, unregistered pills, and additional bottles of illicit alcohol.
The police said all the recovered substances will be tendered in court as exhibits.
Authorities have warned that similar operations will continue across Manicaland and other hotspot areas as part of efforts to curb drug and substance abuse, which has become a growing concern in communities, especially around informal trading and mining sites.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious drug-related activities to the nearest police station.
Source - Manica Post
