Eight Arrested as Police Seize Dagga and Unregistered Medicines in Harare Drug Crackdown

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested eight suspects and recovered significant quantities of dagga and unregistered medicines during a series of operations targeting drug trafficking and substance abuse in Harare.

In a statement issued on 4 June, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said law enforcement authorities have intensified intelligence-led operations across the country as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse. The operation began on 26 May in Dzivarasekwa Extension, where officers arrested 29-year-old Sekai Katsande. Police allegedly recovered several sachets of dagga concealed in a black bag hidden inside a wardrobe at her residence.

Investigators later moved to Crowborough North, where Amos Makwezwa (39), Lloyd Savanhu (39) and Bannah Dandara (29) were arrested on allegations of unlawful possession of dagga. Officers reportedly recovered loose dagga and prepared rolls during the operation.

In a separate incident on 27 May, police acted on information received and arrested Tinashe Chitsva (30) at Tanaka Shopping Centre in Glen View. Authorities allege that Chitsva was selling dagga from a stationary Toyota Hiace vehicle.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 61 sachets of dagga, a 20-litre bucket containing dagga, 26 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, 129 bottles of Astra Pain Syrup, and 129 bottles of Benylin syrup.

Further arrests were made on 29 May at Overspill Shopping Centre in Epworth, where Anusa Jack (39), Tatenda Makuyana (38), and Munashe Sekeramai (24) were taken into custody. Police recovered quantities of dagga, 73 prepared dagga rolls, and several bottles of Broncleer, Novalyn, and Benylin cough syrups during the raid.

Authorities have expressed concern over the growing abuse of prescription and over-the-counter cough syrups, particularly products containing codeine, which are increasingly being misused alongside illicit substances. Nyathi said the campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse remains a key priority for the police.

“The police will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and bringing offenders to justice,” he said.

The arrests come as authorities continue nationwide efforts to curb the distribution and abuse of illicit drugs, particularly among young people, amid rising concern over the social and health impacts of substance abuse in communities across Zimbabwe.

Harare drug raids