The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
In most urban centres, dangerous drugs such as crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth or mutoriro), marijuana, cocaine and some prohibited cough syrups are being sold in broad daylight.
Police say they have dealt with over 1 000 cases related to drug dealing since it launched operations targeting peddlers and syndicates since the beginning of the year.
At least 473 people were arrested, while drugs worth millions of dollars have been recovered and destroyed.
Among the seized contraband were over a tonne of marijuana, 8kg of crystal meth and 5,5kg of cocaine.
During the same period, 146 marijuana plants were confiscated.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the number of prohibited cough syrups that are finding their way into the country mostly from South Africa is worrying.
“Apart from BronCleer, large quantities of ecstasy and ephedrine among other drugs are being smuggled into the country,” he said.
Dangerous drugs, Asst Com Nyathi added, were being sold and used by people from all walks of life and from diverse economic and social backgrounds.
In Harare, high-density areas are believed to be the main drug hotspots.
“In Harare, illicit drugs are sold and used in most high-density suburbs, with Highfield, Mbare, Mufakose and Sunningdale being the major hotspots. In low-density suburbs, the drugs are being sold from backyards and in garages,” he said.
Measures have already been put in place to ensure the confiscated drugs do not find their way back onto the streets.
“The law is clear when it comes to the processes and procedures that are taken when we are getting rid of confiscated drugs.
“Certain procedures are followed by experts in destroying the drugs and I would want to assure the nation that confiscated drugs will not resurface on our streets.”
Crime and security expert Brian Kashangura believes that police are doing their best to combat drug peddling and abuse.
He, however, says communities need to join the fight.
“In my view, parents should start teaching their children about the dangers of taking drugs from a tender age. Knowledge helps them make informed decisions and keeps them safe from peer pressure,” Kashangura said.
He encouraged law enforcement agents to be responsible.
“We have had instances in which police officers who were supposed to be custodians of the seized contraband end up stealing and selling the drugs.
“The police must put in place mechanisms that will make it impossible for their officers to steal the confiscated drugs.”
According to Kashangura, drug abuse is often related to other criminal activities.
“Some people steal as a way of sustaining their drug habits. Others commit violent crimes when they are under the influence of alcohol.
‘‘The effects of drug abuse are often underestimated.”
Mavis Maposa of Harare’s Kuwadzana high-density suburb chronicled how drug abuse nearly ruined the life of a close relative.
“I have a relative who was at university and started to abuse drugs. It was an emotional experience for us as a family since we had to pool resources that enabled our relative to check into rehabilitation.
“Were it not for the united efforts, I am certain this young man would have lost his life by now,” Maposa said.
Keith Chakanyuka, a psychologist, highlighted some adverse effects of drug abuse.
“Chronic use of some drugs can lead to both short- and long-term changes in the brain, which can lead to mental health issues, including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations and other problems.”
