Police Arrest Teku Teku Directors Over Illicit Alcohol Production as Anti-Drug Crackdown Intensifies

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of two directors of Teku Teku Company for allegedly manufacturing illicit alcohol under unhygienic conditions and in violation of public health regulations.

In a statement, police said officers in Mutare conducted an operation that led to the arrest of the company directors and the seizure of equipment allegedly used in the illegal production process.

“Police in Mutare arrested two directors of Teku Teku Company for manufacturing illicit brew under unhygienic conditions and in violation of health regulations,” the police said.

“Equipment used in the illegal operation was recovered. The ZRP urges companies to comply with all legal and health requirements and warns that decisive action will be taken without fear or favour against individuals and companies engaged in peddling dangerous drugs or involved in the manufacturing of illicit substances.”

The arrests come as police intensify nationwide operations targeting illegal drugs, unregistered medicines, and illicit alcohol production.

In a separate case, police arrested 64-year-old truck driver Thapson Ndou on allegations of smuggling nearly two tonnes of dagga valued at approximately US$210,800 through the Beitbridge Border Post. Authorities said the dagga was discovered during an operation at the border crossing. Police have since impounded the haulage truck, registration number AGK 0535, believed to have been used in the smuggling operation. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend other suspects who may have been involved in the alleged trafficking network.

Meanwhile, police in Beatrice arrested Clayton Chapwanya, 36, on Thursday for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines. According to investigators, officers recovered 250 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup shortly after the suspect allegedly received the consignment at the Beatrice truck stop. BronCleer, a cough syrup containing codeine, has become one of the most commonly abused substances in Zimbabwe and has frequently featured in police anti-drug operations across the country.

Law enforcement authorities say the latest arrests demonstrate their commitment to tackling the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, which has increasingly become a national concern affecting communities, particularly young people. Police have warned individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of illicit substances that they face arrest and prosecution as authorities continue to intensify enforcement operations nationwide.

Teku Teku directors arrested