HARARE – Police say they have arrested 636 suspects in an ongoing countrywide blitz targeting those involved in the taking and trade of illicit substances in the country.
Police were spurred into action after the shock expulsion of eight teenage learners at Harare’s Dominican Convent High School who were busted with drugs during a school trip recently.
The incident opened the country to the sobering reality of rampant drug abuse among the youths.
Police have since launched a crackdown which they have coupled with an awareness campaign against drug abuse.
The police operation has also targeted drug syndicates responsible for keeping the supply chain of illicit substance running.
“On the 6th of January police arrested 277 people countrywide on operation, ‘No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances’, bringing cumulative arrests to 636,” said police via their Twitter handle.
The police action has also been supported by government.
Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Tafadzwa Muguti said the net targeted those involved in the different stages of the drug value chain.
“For the benefit of those who might not to be understanding our position on drugs, it’s very simple. If you buy drugs, you take drugs, you sell drugs or you transport drugs, this means you are part of the value chain. All of the above are illegal. Stay guided,” he said.
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) also called on vendors who often frequent school gates to sell edibles and other trinkets to be removed from the places saying some of them were conduits of illegal substances which often land in the hands of young learners.
