US DONATES DRUG FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Harare - A crackdown on drug traffickers has been promised by Zimbabwe's
Criminal Investigation Department, following the donation of $500 000 worth
of drug fighting equipment by the United States on Thursday. CID
Commissioner, Zacheas Nyathi, told the gathering during the handover
ceremony that the donated equipment had come at a critical time.

He predicted that newspaper reports would soon appear giving details of
successful drug busts made with the use of these new items. The donated
package included faxes, computers, printers, two sniffer dog trailers, and
funding for two CID narcotic unit officers to attend a two week training
course in South Africa, after which they would return with strategic
information for fellow officers. American Embassy regional security
officer, Jeff Horkey, said his offices had benefited from the services of
the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and wanted to make a donation in return.

He also emphasised the need for international communities to work together
and combine resources to help prevent drug trafficking across borders.
"Drug dealers have unlimited resources in communication, unlike law
enforcement," Horkey said. Supt. yathi said the acquisition of the donated
equipment had been an urgent priority to facilitate the battle against
drugs, particularly dagga (marijuana), but also heroin, cocaine and
ecstasy.