By A Correspondent | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – On Thursday, law enforcement officials apprehended Tyron Pigors Siegfried, a resident of Matsheumhlope, Bulawayo, on charges of illegal possession of mutoriro (crystal methamphetamine). Siegfried, 36, was found with 1.26 kilograms of the illicit substance, carrying an estimated street value of US$6,000.

The arrest followed a period of surveillance that began in February. Acting on gathered intelligence, detectives raided Siegfried’s residence, discovering the drugs concealed in various containers, including a Lobels biscuit box, a Puma sneaker box, a dictionary-shaped safe, and a large blue metal trunk in his bedroom. Additionally, measuring scales believed to be used for packaging the drugs were confiscated.

Siegfried appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Polite Dube-Banda on Friday, represented by attorney Innocent Rujeko Mafirakureva of Moyo & Nyoni law firm. He was remanded in custody until Monday for a bail hearing. In contrast to his earlier demeanor during the arrest, Siegfried appeared pale and withdrawn in court, acknowledging the gravity of the charges against him.

This incident underscores the escalating issue of mutoriro abuse in Zimbabwe. Recent studies have highlighted a concerning rise in the distribution and consumption of this dangerous drug. Notably, approximately 60% of patients admitted to mental health institutions in the country are suffering from drug use disorders, with mutoriro being among the commonly abused substances. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated substance use disorders, particularly among adolescents and young adults, leading to an impending public health crisis.  

The government has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling and the trade of narcotics, aiming to curb the surge in substance abuse and its associated societal impacts.