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Zimbabwean police have destroyed nearly 19,000 litres of illegal alcohol, banned cosmetics, and large quantities of cannabis in a public exercise carried out in Harare and Chitungwiza, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the growing drug and substance abuse crisis.
The destruction, conducted under government supervision at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Chitungwiza dumpsite, follows the conviction of offenders arrested in recent national raids.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the seizures were part of court-sanctioned disposals after suspects were tried and sentenced.
“Once suspects are tried, convicted and sentenced, exhibits are disposed of under witness by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders,” Nyathi said.
Among the destroyed contraband were 18,896 litres of illicit brews, 121 kilograms of cannabis (dagga), and 30 kilograms of banned skin lightening creams — many of which were falsely marketed as skincare products.
Authorities also uncovered sophisticated smuggling methods, with traffickers disguising drugs as flour, oats, or repackaging them in cigarette cartons of known brands. Illegal drugs like “Tsunami” — widely misused for sexual performance or body enhancement — were also among the seized substances.
“Locals and foreigners are working together to manufacture illegal substances under the guise of medicine,” said Nyathi. “Some are abusing them for sexual enhancement or body modification.”
Although the street value of the destroyed items was not disclosed, police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking.
“The law will be applied without fear or favour. We urge members of the public to report drug-related activities to help us sustain this fight,” Nyathi added.
Zimbabwe is facing a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, many of whom are affected by economic hardships and rising unemployment.
The government has responded with a national campaign dubbed No To Dangerous Drugs and Illicit Substances: See Something, Say Something, which has led to a string of arrests and crackdowns targeting both users and suppliers.
