Crime and Courts
Dagga, Hemp Farmers Nabbed
Drug law enforcement agents have intensified efforts against drug distribution following the arrest of two dagga and hemp farmers in separate operations.
National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests in Plumtree and Macheke.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Melusi Mapolisa of Rangemore Sewage Ponds, Plumtree. The arrest was made for cultivating and selling dagga. The suspect had planted Indian hemp in his garden and was actively processing the substance for sale to the public,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
In Macheke, on 7 October 2025, police arrested 29-year-old Ishmael Muchadenyika in connection with a case of dagga cultivation.
“Police recovered 83 dagga plants, each approximately 30 centimetres tall, from the suspect’s garden at Plot 33, Village 17, Macheke,” he added.
In a related operation, Commissioner Nyathi reported that ZRP officers at Featherstone arrested 54-year-old Clara Munyeri for unlawful possession of dagga.
“The suspect, who was a passenger on a Harare-bound bus, was arrested at the 103 km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road on 7 October 2025. Police recovered a black suitcase containing dagga wrapped in plastic, as well as a separate plastic bag containing 86 sachets of dagga,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The arrests highlight ongoing police efforts to curb the cultivation, distribution, and unlawful possession of illegal drugs in the country.