Fugitive suspected drug dealer arrested

A suspected drug dealer who had been on the run following the arrest of his wife in a major drug trafficking investigation has been arrested and brought before the courts.

Nomore Chabata (47), of Marimba, Harare, appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday facing charges of unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs and possession of explosives without a permit. He was remanded in custody pending a bail ruling expected tomorrow.

Chabata was arrested by a specialised anti-drug trafficking team led by Detective Assistant Inspector Simbi Oadzakashamba, the head of the Anti-Drugs Trafficking National Crack Unit.

According to the State, police received information on May 8 alleging that occupants of a house in Marimba were involved in the illegal sale and distribution of dangerous drugs.

Acting on the intelligence, officers raided the property and arrested Chabata's wife, Catherine Chembe, who is already facing related charges before the Harare Magistrates Court.

Investigators allege that during questioning, Chembe identified Chabata as her accomplice in the drug operation and confirmed that he was a co-owner of the property.

Police say Chembe subsequently led officers to various locations within the premises where large quantities of drugs and other suspected contraband were recovered.

In an unlocked guest room, detectives allegedly recovered 10 kilograms of loose cannabis. A search of the master bedroom reportedly yielded 100 bottles of 100ml Benylin cough syrup containing codeine.

The investigation then extended to a cottage on the property, where police allegedly found another suspect, Loveness Phiri, packaging cannabis into sachets of different sizes for distribution.

Further searches allegedly uncovered 34 kilograms of loose cannabis and 26 kilograms of cannabis seeds and plant material stored in a storeroom.

Police also seized 194 bottles of Benylin, 50 bottles of BronCleer, 323 bottles of Astra Pain medication, 1,300 plastic packaging bags, an electric sealing machine, a digital scale and record books allegedly used to document transactions involving dangerous drugs, explosives and fuse detonators.

Following the recovery, police launched a manhunt for Chabata, culminating in his arrest.

The case forms part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse, which authorities have identified as a growing threat to public safety and community wellbeing.

Chabata remains in custody awaiting the court's determination on his bail application.