POLICE say they have arrested over 1 000 suspected drug peddlers over the past year amid concerns that Zimbabwe could be fast turning into a haven for drug trafficking.
Feluna Nleya
Spokesperson of the Criminal Investigations Department Detective Inspector Ntombizodwa Chiduuro told NewsDay early this week that the majority of the suspects were arrested for possession of dagga (cannabis), cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and mandrax.
“Between June 2012 and June 2013 police seized 2 472,021kg of mbanje and arrested 1 015 people for possession of the drug,” said Chiduuro.
“Between June 2012 and June 2013 police seized 8,347kg of heroin and arrested two accused persons and during the same period police seized 12,175kg of cocaine and arrested four persons for being found in possession of the drug.
“We have a number of drugs finding their way into the country, but the most common drug which is found in the country is mbanje because it is locally grown. About 25% of it is locally cultivated.
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“Drugs like cocaine and heroin are smuggled through official exit and entry points, which is through Harare International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport and Chirundu Border Post,” she said