Police Seize Drug Consignment Worth US$68 000 Following Midnight Raid – 9 Arrested

Harare Drug Ring Busted In Police Midnight Operation

A massive drug consignment worth US$68,000 (approximately R1.24 million) was intercepted by police, leading to the arrest of nine individuals following a dramatic midnight raid in Harare.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the operation on Saturday. The arrests of nine named suspects occurred on 17th October 2025 at 23:45 hours. The statement detailed the location of the bust, noting:

“The suspects were intercepted while receiving the contraband at Aspindale Truckshop, along Highglen way, Harare.”

Who Was Arrested

The nine suspects named by the Zimbabwe Republic Police are:

Charles Kakomwe (34)
Priscilla Chakacha (32)
Rhoda Mazoro (49)
Ngonidzashe Mbundire (19)
Terence Zvikwete (25)
Pasco Muvhazhi (34)
Denzel Lejala (20)
Owen Kadzomba (18)
Prince Katsande (18)

A Multi-Vehicle Drug Haul

The police operation resulted in a significant seizure of narcotics and the impounding of three vehicles. The Zimbabwe Republic Police statement provided a detailed inventory of the confiscated items, which painted a picture of a sophisticated smuggling operation. The force reported the recovery of:

“300 kilogrammes of daga packaged in various plastics and food stuffs, which include Zapnax, 3 120 bottles of Astra Pain and 4 600 bottles of Broncleer Cough Syrup. The drugs and substances are worth USD 68 000.00.”

In addition to the drugs, the police confirmed that a Nissan Caravan, a Kombi, and a Honda Fit vehicle were impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.

“No Going Back” In Drug Fight

The police have sent a strong message following the arrests, directly linking the bust to a broader national crackdown. The official press statement concluded with a firm declaration, stating:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against drug and substance trafficking and peddling in the country.”

This major bust comes just a week after the government announced a radical new zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. On 11th October 2025, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri declared an end to easy fines for drug offences. She explained the reasoning behind the harsh new penalties, stating:

“In the past, those who were arrested for having drugs were fined US$30 (about R550). We realised that US$30 was not a deterrent enough. People could easily pay that amount and continue with the same behaviour.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri outlined the new reality for anyone caught with illicit substances, confirming:

“Just to make sure that arrests do not result in fines. They call for 15 years of imprisonment. This is now the law.”

A Stern Warning From The Top

The government’s tough new approach was foreshadowed by a stark public warning from a top official. Earlier in October, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, using his pseudonym Jamwanda on X, posted a chilling message on 7th October 2025. He wrote:

“GUYS, GET WARNED: We are contemplating very ugly measures for those involved in peddling or consuming drugs. It’s going to be really ugly!!!!! People must not think this is just a campaign or a passing phase.”

The arrest of the nine suspects in Aspindale appears to be a direct manifestation of this intensified crackdown. The Zimbabwe Republic Police statement also indicated that “Preliminary investigations show that the drugs were smuggled from neighbouring countries.” With the new laws now in effect, the nine individuals arrested face the prospect of severe jail time if convicted.

Related Cases

The Aspindale raid is the latest in a string of high-profile drug cases this year:

1 October 2025 – Robert Mugabe Jr. was arrested after police alleged he was linked to a peddling syndicate. Officers said they seized 25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills. He was later granted bail of US$300 (about R5,500).
6 October 2025 – Former Warriors forward Abbas Amidu was arrested after police reportedly found 750kg of dagga worth US$75,000 (about R1.4 million).
September 2025 – Musician Ras Pompy (Nyasha Reginald Mano) was sentenced to six months in prison after being caught with 100 bottles of cough syrup worth US$396 (about R7,200).

These arrests highlight the government’s new hardline stance on drugs, with police, ministers and presidential aides all signalling there is no leniency left for offenders.