Harare- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has incinerated three metric tonnes of smuggled frozen chicken cuts in the capital, a seizure directly linked to the recent arrest of three men now facing multiple charges related to customs evasion and drug possession.

The operation, announced in an official ZRP statement today, led to the arrests of Lee Chakatama (21), Tafadzwa Makanganya (40), and Canaan Marimo (42). The suspects were initially apprehended for “evading customs and excise formalities” on the smuggled poultry, a consignment with an estimated street value still under investigation.

In a significant escalation of the case, a subsequent search of the suspects’ possessions revealed an undisclosed quantity of dagga (marijuana). The dual nature of the bust underscores what authorities describe as intersecting criminal economies.

“The suspects were found in possession of dagga,” the ZRP statement confirmed, linking the enforcement action to a broader national campaign.

The destruction of the chicken cuts, carried out at a designated site in Harare, was executed by health and municipal officials under police supervision. Authorities cited severe public health concerns as the primary reason for the destruction, noting that smuggled poultry often bypasses mandatory veterinary import controls and cold-chain safety standards, posing risks of food-borne illness.

The ZRP statement concluded with a firm deterrent message: “#no to smuggling and drug and substance abuse in the country.”

This bust highlights ongoing challenges with cross-border smuggling, which deprives the treasury of crucial import duties and undermines local industry. It also reflects the ZRP’s heightened focus on dismantling networks involved in both illicit trade and drug distribution.

The three suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon to face charges under the Customs and Excise Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins and intended distribution networks of both the smuggled poultry and the illicit drugs.