Toll free number for Harare Metropolitan soon to r...

Toll free number for Harare Metropolitan soon to report drug peddling

Tafadzwa Muguti - NewsDay Zimbabwe — Tafadzwa Muguti

Audrey Galawu

Harare Metropolitan Province will soon be launching a toll-free number for people who want to report drug peddlers in their areas and also those who would need rehabilitation from drug addiction.

This comes after reports that the police has so far confiscated 146 unregistered medicines, 456 dagga, 24 Crystalmethyl, six Broncleer and 714 illicit drugs since the launch of the Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Blitz in the city.

The campaign, which was launched on February 3, is targeting illicit drug peddlers, with 636 people having already been arrested in Harare alone. Most of them are from Mufakose and Warren Park high density suburbs and collectively, the blitz has netted 1 346 people.

Harare Provincial Development Coordinator Tafadzwa Muguti said those who wish to report on drug syndicates should not be intimidated.

“It’s a huge step for them to disclose their sources so others don’t fall victim. However, the open abuse of drugs in broad daylight demonstrates the audacity of some drug users and dealers.

“Whilst all views are appreciated, the fact remains this value chain of drugs is growing everyday with many dying from use. Step by step we will dismantle this syndicated drug industry. No fish is too small or too big,” he said.

The police are now conducting door-to-door searches to weed out people selling illegal drugs.

Recently, a policeman from Sunningdale was arrested after being found in possession of Benylin syrup which he was selling from the back of his car along with two other suspects.

Meanwhile, in Mutoko Telmore Kgotsi,44, was slapped with a one-year prison sentence for cultivating mbanje.