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Zimbabwe unleashes new anti-drugs crack unit
2 hrs ago |
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GOVERNMENT has activated a highly specialised anti-drug and substance abuse enforcement unit to combat the growing scourge of narcotics and dismantle sophisticated trafficking syndicates operating across Zimbabwe.
The special operations unit, comprising selected police and military officers, was established three weeks ago following a high-level joint security meeting involving intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The meeting reportedly resolved to overhaul the country's anti-drug enforcement architecture amid concerns that some existing structures had become compromised.
According to security sources, intelligence reports indicated that certain members within previously designated anti-drug units were allegedly working in collusion with drug dealers and trafficking cartels, undermining efforts to curb the illegal trade.
The newly established unit, operating under tight security and secrecy, is made up of highly trained officers drawn from elite departments within the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Its operations are intelligence-led and focused on disrupting supply chains, targeting trafficking networks and apprehending key figures behind the illicit drug trade.
Authorities say the country is facing an increasing threat from dangerous substances such as crystal methamphetamine, mbanje, BronCleer cough syrup and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
A senior intelligence officer confirmed the existence of the specialised unit and said it had already recorded significant successes within weeks of becoming operational.
"Yes, I can confirm that a special anti-drug and substance enforcement mechanism was activated following recommendations made during an inter-agency security review," the officer said.
"The country is facing a dangerous and evolving drug problem that requires a new tactical approach. The unit is fully operational and comprises highly trained officers with specialised capabilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, tactical response and covert operations."
The officer said investigations had revealed that some individuals within previous enforcement structures had allegedly become compromised by powerful drug syndicates.
"It became apparent during internal investigations that certain elements within structures that were expected to fight drug syndicates had become part of the networks and underhanded dealings," he said.
"That is why authorities saw it fit to establish a fresh and highly monitored structure with strict accountability systems.
"This is not an ordinary deployment. The unit is fully oiled and properly resourced. It has mobility, technical support, surveillance equipment and operational backing necessary to confront sophisticated syndicates."
Since its formation, the unit has reportedly conducted operations in major cities and strategic entry points believed to be key transit routes for illegal substances.
Statistics from the unit indicate that 44 arrests linked to drug trafficking, unlawful possession and distribution of dangerous substances had been made by yesterday. Fourteen suspects have already been convicted, while several investigations remain ongoing.
Authorities say a well-known Harare politician and another suspected drug dealer have reportedly gone into hiding. Police are also searching for Norman Chabata of Marimba, Harare, who is alleged to be linked to drug trafficking activities.
Three of Chabata's relatives — Cathrene Chembe (36), Loveness Phiri (43) and Loice Musakwa (36) — have been arrested and appeared in court facing drug-related charges. Their case is still pending.
In one of the most significant discoveries to date, investigators uncovered a concealed drug storage facility in Mbare, Harare, where narcotics were allegedly hidden in an underground compartment beneath a dog kennel.
Police arrested Paul Mazinyane (37), Thelma Sorjen (25) and Prince Takaendisa (32), all from Joburg Lines in Mbare, in connection with the operation.
Investigations revealed that the underground pit measured approximately two metres deep and was concealed beneath a kennel housing aggressive dogs believed to have been deliberately kept to deter law enforcement officers.
"Officers discovered that the suspects had become highly sophisticated," the intelligence officer said.
"The drugs were hidden underground beneath a kennel occupied by dangerous dogs. It was clearly designed to intimidate or delay law enforcement officers during searches."
The operation led to the recovery of hundreds of bottles of codeine-based cough syrups, large quantities of mbanje and mbanje seeds, packaging materials, weighing equipment and transaction records allegedly linked to drug sales.
Authorities also reported recovering explosives from the site. The matter is now before the courts.
"We are not only targeting street dealers. The thrust is to uproot the entire supply chain, including financiers, transporters, storage operators and corrupt facilitators," the officer said.
"Operations are continuing and more arrests will be made. Those involved should know that the net is closing in. No one will be spared regardless of status or influence."
Meanwhile, Government says the crackdown forms part of the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), which seeks to curb and ultimately eliminate drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
Updating Cabinet recently, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the plan coordinates interventions across Government ministries, law enforcement agencies and private sector stakeholders.
The strategy is built around seven pillars, including supply chain reduction, demand reduction and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psycho-social support and community reintegration, resource mobilisation, media engagement and legal reforms.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said authorities had made notable progress in disrupting illegal drug networks.
According to figures presented to Cabinet, 2 889 suspects have been taken to court, with 381 convictions secured. Authorities have also dismantled 453 drug supplier networks, identified 2 436 end-users and shut down 31 drug bases in Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces.
Drugs and illicit substances valued at more than ZiG79.9 million have been confiscated as part of the ongoing nationwide campaign.
The special operations unit, comprising selected police and military officers, was established three weeks ago following a high-level joint security meeting involving intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The meeting reportedly resolved to overhaul the country's anti-drug enforcement architecture amid concerns that some existing structures had become compromised.
According to security sources, intelligence reports indicated that certain members within previously designated anti-drug units were allegedly working in collusion with drug dealers and trafficking cartels, undermining efforts to curb the illegal trade.
The newly established unit, operating under tight security and secrecy, is made up of highly trained officers drawn from elite departments within the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Its operations are intelligence-led and focused on disrupting supply chains, targeting trafficking networks and apprehending key figures behind the illicit drug trade.
Authorities say the country is facing an increasing threat from dangerous substances such as crystal methamphetamine, mbanje, BronCleer cough syrup and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
A senior intelligence officer confirmed the existence of the specialised unit and said it had already recorded significant successes within weeks of becoming operational.
"Yes, I can confirm that a special anti-drug and substance enforcement mechanism was activated following recommendations made during an inter-agency security review," the officer said.
"The country is facing a dangerous and evolving drug problem that requires a new tactical approach. The unit is fully operational and comprises highly trained officers with specialised capabilities in surveillance, intelligence gathering, tactical response and covert operations."
The officer said investigations had revealed that some individuals within previous enforcement structures had allegedly become compromised by powerful drug syndicates.
"It became apparent during internal investigations that certain elements within structures that were expected to fight drug syndicates had become part of the networks and underhanded dealings," he said.
"That is why authorities saw it fit to establish a fresh and highly monitored structure with strict accountability systems.
"This is not an ordinary deployment. The unit is fully oiled and properly resourced. It has mobility, technical support, surveillance equipment and operational backing necessary to confront sophisticated syndicates."
Since its formation, the unit has reportedly conducted operations in major cities and strategic entry points believed to be key transit routes for illegal substances.
Statistics from the unit indicate that 44 arrests linked to drug trafficking, unlawful possession and distribution of dangerous substances had been made by yesterday. Fourteen suspects have already been convicted, while several investigations remain ongoing.
Authorities say a well-known Harare politician and another suspected drug dealer have reportedly gone into hiding. Police are also searching for Norman Chabata of Marimba, Harare, who is alleged to be linked to drug trafficking activities.
In one of the most significant discoveries to date, investigators uncovered a concealed drug storage facility in Mbare, Harare, where narcotics were allegedly hidden in an underground compartment beneath a dog kennel.
Police arrested Paul Mazinyane (37), Thelma Sorjen (25) and Prince Takaendisa (32), all from Joburg Lines in Mbare, in connection with the operation.
Investigations revealed that the underground pit measured approximately two metres deep and was concealed beneath a kennel housing aggressive dogs believed to have been deliberately kept to deter law enforcement officers.
"Officers discovered that the suspects had become highly sophisticated," the intelligence officer said.
"The drugs were hidden underground beneath a kennel occupied by dangerous dogs. It was clearly designed to intimidate or delay law enforcement officers during searches."
The operation led to the recovery of hundreds of bottles of codeine-based cough syrups, large quantities of mbanje and mbanje seeds, packaging materials, weighing equipment and transaction records allegedly linked to drug sales.
Authorities also reported recovering explosives from the site. The matter is now before the courts.
"We are not only targeting street dealers. The thrust is to uproot the entire supply chain, including financiers, transporters, storage operators and corrupt facilitators," the officer said.
"Operations are continuing and more arrests will be made. Those involved should know that the net is closing in. No one will be spared regardless of status or influence."
Meanwhile, Government says the crackdown forms part of the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), which seeks to curb and ultimately eliminate drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
Updating Cabinet recently, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the plan coordinates interventions across Government ministries, law enforcement agencies and private sector stakeholders.
The strategy is built around seven pillars, including supply chain reduction, demand reduction and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psycho-social support and community reintegration, resource mobilisation, media engagement and legal reforms.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said authorities had made notable progress in disrupting illegal drug networks.
According to figures presented to Cabinet, 2 889 suspects have been taken to court, with 381 convictions secured. Authorities have also dismantled 453 drug supplier networks, identified 2 436 end-users and shut down 31 drug bases in Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces.
Drugs and illicit substances valued at more than ZiG79.9 million have been confiscated as part of the ongoing nationwide campaign.
Source - The Herald
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