ZRP Seizes 3.9 Tons of Dagga in Harare

Witness Runodada- Zim Now Reporter

In Zimbabwe's ongoing battle against drug trafficking, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals on March 9, 2025, for the unlawful possession of 3,900 kilograms of dagga. The contraband was discovered at a business premise along Citroen Road in Msasa, Harare, marking one of the largest drug seizures in recent times.

This operation underscores the ZRP's commitment to eradicating drug-related activities within the country.

The Msasa bust is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, intensified crackdown on drug and substance abuse across Zimbabwe. Since the beginning of 2024, law enforcement agencies have arrested over 6,000 individuals for various drug-related offenses. Notably, 677 of these were suppliers, while 5,471 were end-users. Additionally, authorities have identified, raided, and destroyed 106 illegal drug trading bases in regions including Harare, Shamva, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Bulawayo, and Mutare.

In a related operation, police in Gokwe apprehended three suspects involved in large-scale dagga cultivation. The syndicate had been supplying the Gokwe district and surrounding areas. Authorities seized 74 kilograms of processed dagga and uprooted over 6,000 plants from the suspects' cultivation site.

Government has recognised the escalating threat posed by drug and substance abuse to public health, economic growth, national security, and social stability.

In response, the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030) has been approved, outlining a comprehensive strategic approach to tackling this menace. Furthermore, the establishment of a specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency is underway. This agency aims to enforce laws related to drug trafficking and abuse while coordinating support services.