POLICE yesterday destroyed 18 896 litres of illicit brews, 30kg of banned skin lightening products and 121kg of dagga seized during a nationwide operations.
The public destruction exercise was conducted at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Chitungwiza dumpsite under the supervision of government agencies.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the destruction followed the conviction of suspects involved in drug and substance abuse.
“Once suspects are tried, convicted and sentenced, exhibits are disposed of under witness by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders,” Nyathi said.
Authorities revealed that traffickers are disguising drugs as flour and oats and smuggle them through Beitbridge and other border posts.
Additional seizures were made in Harare, Bulawayo and other parts of the country.
Some confiscated substances were hidden in plastic wraps repackaged in cigarette cartons of well-known brands, skin lightening creams falsely marketed as skincare products and ”Tsunami”, an illegal drug often misused for sexual enhancement and body modification.
“Locals and foreigners are collaborating to manufacture illegal substances under the guise of medicine, while others misuse them for sexual performance or physical appearance,” Nyathi said.
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While the total street value of the seized items remains undisclosed, the national police spokesperson issued a stern warning to drug peddlers.
“The law will be applied without fear or favour. We urge the public to keep reporting drug-related activities to sustain this fight,” he said.
The country is witnessing widespread drug and substance abuse among mainly the youth frustrated by a harsh economic climate where jobs are scarce.
Government has declared war on drug lords and users, launching a national anti-drug operation dubbed No To Dangerous Drugs And illicit Substances; See Something Say Something.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for stiffer penalties against drug abusers and cartels supplying the intoxicants.
Reports have shown that new admissions at mental health institutions mainly constitute drug abusers, particularly teenagers.
