Crime and Courts with Itai Mazire
In the largest coordinated crackdown on drug trafficking the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 11 individuals in the past week and seized illegal medicines, drugs and substances worth over USD 40 000, whilst 55 drug lords were nabbed and sentenced, a month prior to this operation.
The nationwide blitz, which ran from May 12 to May 23, 2026, saw detectives dismantle an illegal drug manufacturing plant, intercept smuggled contraband at border posts and recover dangerous drugs including dagga, crystal meth, and unregistered medicines.
Authorities said the operation marks a significant escalation in the government’s war against drug and substance abuse.
12 May-Harare CBD
The crackdown began on 12 May when detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics acted on a tip-off and intercepted a Honda Fit vehicle at Highglen Shopping Centre.
A search led to the recovery of 10 bales of dagga weighing approximately 55 kilogrammes and 24 boxes of Astra Pain cough syrup.
Delight Musiiwa (34) was arrested in connection with unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and unregistered medicines.
14 May-Ruwa
Two days later, police raided an unlicensed premise in ZIMRE Park, Ruwa, leading to the arrest of Blessed Magagoyi (25).
The operation uncovered medicine manufacturing equipment, finished medicinal products including Honey Bean Medicines, Gut Restore Powder, Cynocene Medicines, Fotal Harmony and Cardio Cene Capsules, plus raw materials and packaging equipment valued at USD 25 000.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Blessed Magagoyi (25) in connection with illegal manufacturing of medicines at an unlicensed premise in Zimre Park, Ruwa on May 14, 2026,” said National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
16 May Belvedere, Harare
On 16 May, police arrested five suspects at Showground parking space in Belvedere, Harare, for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines. Vanessa Mudokwenyi (27), Cheneta Zifodya (46), Jack Muchineuta (40), Tonderai Veremu (52) and Collen Magama (52) were found with a wide range of pharmaceutical products including Ashotoxy injections, Penstrirect cattle injections, Oxytetracycline injections, Ceftriaxone Sodium injections, Tetanus vaccines, Amoxicillin tablets and hypodermic needles worth USD 2 697.
18 May-Lupane
On May 18, police in Lupane intercepted two rigid trucks at the 168-kilometre peg along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road and arrested Kudakwashe Abraham (33) and Tawanda Rwambiwa (38) for smuggling and unlawful possession of prohibited medicines.
The haul included bales of second-hand clothing, footwear, vehicle rims, skin-lightening creams, cosmetics, assorted tablets and other prohibited medicines.
19 May Drug lords convicted
On 19 May, the ZRP released the names of 55 drug lords who were arraigned before the courts, convicted and sentenced to prison for terms ranging from four to 51 months.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that the police will not hesitate to name and shame drug barons and suppliers in any part of the country,” said Commissiner Nyathi.
20 May-Harare CBD
On 20 May, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics arrested Rudo Nyaruwo (30) in Harare CBD for unlawful possession and dealing in herbal complementary medicines worth USD 2 500.
Also on 20 May, police recovered 23 boxes of cough syrup in Beitbridge.
23 May-Beitbridge Border Post
In the final major operation, police at Beitbridge Border Post arrested Venancio Muchazondida (41) and recovered 48 boxes of smuggled drugs and substances worth USD 12 000.
The drugs were deceitfully concealed in Maq washing powder cardboard boxes and wrapped with black plastics to evade detection.
Police also confiscated a Nissan Elgrant vehicle, registration number ADG 3066, used as a conduit for smuggling.
Investigations are underway to trace the source of raw materials used in the illegal manufacturing plant in Ruwa.
Police are also searching for a second suspect, Tonee Tapiwa Vambe, in connection with the case.
“Investigations are in progress to account for the source of the raw materials and to arrest the second suspect, Tonee Tapiwa Vambe, who is being sought in connection with the case.
Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.
“No to drug and substance peddling and trafficking,” Commissioner Nyathi declared.
