Manhunt launched for 10 drug kingpins

Zim Now Writer

Police in Harare have launched a manhunt for 10 known drug lords who have been supplying narcotics to members of the public.

This comes as police have in the last two weeks, arrested over 1 500 drug dealers countrywide under an operation codenamed “No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances: See something, say something”.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said several high-profile suspects were wanted for questioning, adding that police can neither deny nor confirm that specific individuals are wanted for questioning, and they have intensified investigations into several suspected drug kingpins.

“Some have gone into hiding, but police will not leave any stone unturned as we continue with the operation across the country. To date, about 1 500 people have been arrested in connection with their involvement with drugs across the country.”

Police are believed to be keen to interview a prominent Mbare-based businessman and music promoter who are suspected of heading a drug cartel in the suburb.

Asst Comm Nyathi added: “So far, police have recovered large quantities of mbanje, crystal methamphetamine — commonly referred to as mutoriro — and bottles of banned addictive cough syrups such as Bron Cleer, Benylin with Codeine and Adco-Salterpyn syrup, among others in a recent raid in Mbare.

“Some of the houses we raided were being used by people as waiting rooms but are now being occupied by some families who were engaging in criminal activities such as brewing illicit and dangerous substances, which promote drug and substance abuse and related criminal activities,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.