NEW: Suspected drug suppliers named as police arrest 17 dealers

Online Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 17 suspected drug dealers and suppliers in an ongoing nationwide crackdown against drug trafficking.

The arrests, which took place between January 8 and February 11, 2025, resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illegal substances, including dagga, cocaine, crystal meth and unregistered medicines.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police names and shames the 17 drug barons and suppliers who were arrested across the country.

“These arrests are part of our relentless effort to combat the scourge of drug abuse, which is destroying lives and communities.”

Among those arrested was Tafadzwa Kagande (37) of The Grange, Harare, who was caught with 251 kilogrammes of dagga on January 8.

Another suspect, Morgan Kadungure (26) of Epworth, was apprehended alongside Pride Ezra Madamombe of Ushewekunze at a security checkpoint on the Beitbridge-Masvingo Road on February 4 with 34 kg of dagga.

The police also seized significant amounts of cocaine and crystal meth.

Wadzanai Siyamachira (38) of Warren Park, Harare, was arrested on January 17 with three grammes of cocaine, while Tatenda Rusere (38) of Glen View 2 was caught with 23 grammes of cocaine on January 24.

Several other suspects were found in possession of crystal meth, including Blessing Phiri (27) of Mbare (five grammes of crystal meth);  Sheena Mugwagwa (36) of Mutare (50 grammes of crystal meth);  and Broncleer cough syrup; Kalisto Bisenti (45) of Mufakose (19 grammes of crystal meth); Bezel Munodawafa (35) of Hillside, Harare ( three grammess of crystal meth); and Wellington Simbarashe John (27) of Mufakose, Harare (crystal meth).

The crackdown also targeted illegal pharmaceutical operations.

Yeukai Sandra Bangajena (34) of Banket was arrested on January 22 for possessing large quantities of unregistered medicines, including Iblucap tablets, Epidem Cream, Clairman Lightening Cream, Ibuprofen and Doxycycline capsules.

A particularly significant bust occurred on February 6, when Naison Takaindisa (37) of Karoi and Necious Chipangura (22) of Harare were caught with over 22 000 unregistered pharmaceutical tablets, including ibuprofen, compound magnesium trisilicate, sildenafil (viagra) and amoxylin capsules, along with Gold Skin lotion.

The arrests also targeted those cultivating and distributing dagga.

Moleen Mazani (24) of Chitungwiza was arrested on February 10 for cultivating five dagga plants.

Sandra Tirivangani (35) and Perpetua Madamombe (30) of Mbare were apprehended on February 5 with 136 sachets of dagga.

Commissioner Nyathi reiterated the police’s zero-tolerance to drug-related offences, warning that law-enforcement agencies will continue clamping down on drug networks.

“We urge the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities. The police remain committed to ensuring that Zimbabwe does not become a haven for drug dealers,” he said.