By Anna Chibamu

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it has so far arrested at least 2580 suspects in Harare during its operation against drug peddling.

During a weekly Police- Media engagement at Harare Central police station, Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Tawoneyi Nyazema said Harare might be the chief consumer of the drugs and illicit substances.

“Some drugs come as far as Brazil and Malawi. We are part of the Interpol and we get necessary technical assistance to deal with the multifaceted menace.

“As Harare, we began an intensive operation on February 3, 2023 and so far we are at 2580 arrests,” Nyazema said.

Although some provinces stopped the operation, the Nyazema said Harare had continued.

Cabinet on Tuesday said it was deeply concerned about the increase in drugs and substance abuse scourge in the country.

Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa told the media that the Public Service ministry had been strengthened for effective coordination and programming of activities on curbing drug and substance abuse.

“Regarding supply reduction, the Inter-Ministerial Task Force is conducting surveillance activities across the country leading to the arrest and prosecution of a cumulative total of 6 156 accused persons.

“Under the operation ‘Clean Up Zimbabwe Campaign’ the Inter-Ministerial Task Force managed to recover large quantities of dangerous drugs and substances comprising crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy, dagga, broncleer, histalix and benylyn,” Mutsvangwa said.

The minister warned that dangerous drug and substance suppliers would be tracked down and prosecuted, with stern sentences set to be introduced.

“Culprits will be named and shamed.  More patrols will be mounted to curb the sale of dangerous drugs and substances, while liquor outlet owners will be required to operate within stipulated business hours,” added the minister.