Thirty-eight arrested for drug related crimes

New Ziana– As the war on drugs intensify, police on Wednesday said 38 people had been convicted for drug-related crimes across the country.

Posting on X, police said the ages of those jailed ranged from 22 to 64, and their crimes included possession of dangerous drugs like dagga (marijuana), the cultivation of illegal substances and the distribution of unregistered medicines.

“There will be no going back in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” police spokesman, Paul Nyathi, said.

“The police will continue naming and shaming drug barons and suppliers in any part of the country.”

Police launched the crackdown on drugs in conjunction with the National Committee on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, a government entity tasked with addressing the country’s drug-related challenges.

Among those convicted are Nyajena Seke, 40,nfrom Showground, Domboshawa who was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga, and unregistered medicines, and Anesu Marara, 22, of Glenview, Harare who was ordered to pay a US$150 fine for possession of unregistered medicines.

Other notable cases include that of Tatenda Mandizira, 32, of Nhanga Street, Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza who was convicted and sentenced to pay a US$100 fine for unlawful possession of dagga, and Michael Heywood, 43, of Newforest Goodhope, Harare who received a 24 month prison sentence for illegal possession of dagga.

The tough sentences handed down by the courts, along with the police’s unwavering commitment to the fight against drugs, signal the government’s determination to tackle the vice, and protect the well-being of its citizens.