Story by Fungai Jachi, Courts Reporter
A 74-year-old man alleged to be part of a syndicate of drug peddlers who impersonated police officers to confiscate drugs for resale has been nabbed by the police.
The arrest comes as the police are pouncing on drug peddlers in a bid to limit access to illicit drugs.
Liberty Chigwida (74), who is believed to be part of a wider network of drug dealers was arrested together with Nyaradzai Chikoore (37), Fungai Matinenga (37) and Savious Mbewe aged 47.
The gang’s criminal enterprise involved impersonating police officers from the Drugs and Narcotics department before raiding houses of other drug dealers and looting illicit drugs.
It is also alleged that the quartet would at times extort money from their victims threatening to arrest them.
ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and warned the public against getting involved in criminal activities.
“These four were parading as police officers taking advantage of their victims whom they threatened with arrests. They were found with huge quantities of various drugs. They used a Honda Fit to move around while pretending to be police officers. We warn the public that no one is above the law and we will arrest those found wanting.
“These suspects will appear in court soon and the law will take its course,” he said.
Drug and substance abuse has become a major source of worry with stakeholders calling for stiffer penalties for drug peddlers.
