The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Drug and Narcotics Unit has ramped up its efforts to combat drug trafficking and arrested three people suspected of being key figures in the trade.
ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Reason Gatawa, Jermain Fredricks, and Melody Shambira during a recent operation.
They are facing allegations of being involved in transporting a shipment of drugs worth over US$10,000. Said Nyathi:
To be quite honest, the current teams, particularly the crack teams established by the Commissioner General of Police are performing exceptionally well, and we commend their efforts.
For instance, on April 4, 2025, we executed a drug operation that led to the recovery of US$11 500 worth of narcotics.
A bus arriving from South Africa and headed for Malawi was intercepted based on intelligence received by the police, prompting an operation in Mutoko.
During this operation, we discovered they were delivering Dagga and a substance known as Souta pine, a substantial consignment intended for the Zimbabwean market.
We have arrested three suspects, including the transporters, as well as the individual who was to distribute these drugs.
Additionally, we conducted a raid on a house in Hillside, Harare, where we seized a significant quantity of mandrakes.
In a post on X on Saturday, April 5, the police confirmed the types of illicit drugs seized from Gatawa, Fredricks, and Shambira. Reads the statement:
On 31/03/2 , detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics and Harare intercepted a bus at a police check point in Mutoko and arrested two bus conductors, Reason Gatahwa (46) and Jarmain Fredricks (48) as well as Melody Shambira (35) for unlawful possession of 46 boxes of Broncleer Cough Syrup, two boxes of Salterpyn Cough Syrup and 15 kilogrammes of dagga with a street value of USD 11 100.00. Meanwhile, on 04/04/25, Obey Kaseke (38) was arrested at a house along Brooks Drive, Hillside, Harare for unlawful possession of Mandrax, Ecstacy and dagga.
He also revealed that the ZRP is working with groups like churches, child care organizations, and local chiefs to run anti-drug campaigns.
More: ZBC News
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