Police Seize 360kg of Dagga Worth ZiG10.8 Million, Arrest Five Suspected Traffickers

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – Police have arrested five suspected drug traffickers after intercepting a vehicle carrying 360 kilogrammes of dagga valued at approximately ZiG10.8 million along the Bulawayo–Solusi Road in a major anti-drug operation.

The suspects have been identified as Gordon Nkowu (58), Nkosiyabo Moyo (57), Shepherd Nkomo (43), Beven Sibanda (40), and Isaiah Moyo (31). According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the five men were allegedly transporting the illicit consignment in a South African-registered vehicle towing a trailer when law enforcement officers intercepted them.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the dagga was smuggled from South Africa, passed through Botswana, and was destined for Zimbabwe before police disrupted the operation. Authorities are now investigating the full extent of the suspected trafficking network, including possible links to regional drug syndicates operating across Southern Africa. The seizure is one of the latest successes in Zimbabwe's ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse, which authorities say continues to threaten communities, particularly young people.

In a statement, police reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing Zimbabwe from being used as a transit route for illegal substances.

"The ZRP will not allow Zimbabwe to be used as a transit route or destination for illegal drugs. We continue to work with regional partners and communities to intercept smugglers and bring them to justice," police said.

Law enforcement agencies across the region have increasingly strengthened cooperation in response to growing concerns over cross-border drug trafficking routes linking Southern African countries.

The latest arrest comes amid intensified efforts by the Government, law enforcement agencies, and community organisations to combat drug and substance abuse. Authorities have repeatedly warned that illegal drugs, including dagga, crystal methamphetamine, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and codeine-based cough syrups, are contributing to rising cases of addiction, crime, and social problems. The Government's Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030) seeks to reduce both the supply and demand of illicit substances through law enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes, and regional cooperation.

Police have not yet disclosed the intended destination of the consignment or whether additional suspects are being sought. The five suspects are expected to appear in court facing drug trafficking-related charges once investigations are completed. Authorities have urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking and distribution, saying community intelligence remains critical in disrupting criminal networks. The latest seizure highlights the growing sophistication of cross-border smuggling operations and the importance of regional collaboration in tackling organised crime across Southern Africa.

360kg dagga seizure Zimbabwe