Harare – The illicit drug trade in Zimbabwe is facing a significant shift, with a new variety of cannabis, known as “skanky,” flooding the market from South Africa. This development, largely unnoticed by those outside the drug world, presents a serious challenge to law enforcement and public health officials, The Herald has reported.
Unlike traditional mbanje, skanky lacks the strong, distinctive odour, making its use far less detectable. This characteristic, coupled with its availability, has fuelled a surge in addiction and abuse, with worrying implications for workplace safety and public health. Previously, the tell-tale smell of mbanje often deterred public use, but skanky’s subtle aroma allows users to consume it discreetly, even while working or driving.
“One factor that ameliorated the damage from mbanje was the fact that a smoker under the influence advertised this, so the smoking tended to be done in private at home, or at least not in public or when on duty,” observes one expert.
This poses significant challenges, especially in sectors involving machinery operation, as there are currently no readily available tests to detect skanky use. Rumours abound, even suggesting that some kombi drivers are using skanky while driving, putting passengers at risk.
The sophisticated nature of the smuggling operation is evident in recent police seizures. Significant quantities of skanky have been intercepted at Beitbridge (16kg from bus passengers) and Masvingo (62kg from a bus chassis), indicating well-established smuggling networks.
Further seizures of skanky have been made from cars, suggesting a widespread distribution system. Recent reports from the police and the National Prosecuting Authority detail seizures exceeding 100kg in less than a week, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The source of the drug is South Africa, where skanky is cultivated in greenhouses, with growers taking considerable measures to protect their seed and processing techniques. This contrasts with the past, when Zimbabwe’s relatively successful cannabis cultivation meant less incentive for cross-border smuggling. The emergence of skanky, however, has created a lucrative new market. Zimbabwe’s crystal meth supply also largely originates from South Africa, while cocaine and heroin are smuggled in from South America and via air routes, respectively.
The authorities are responding to this challenge by intensifying efforts to track down smugglers, dealers, and growers. However, the persistence of the drug trade highlights the difficulties in tackling this complex issue. The arrests over the past week suggest the use of “mules,” with bus crews and passengers seemingly acting as couriers for larger criminal networks.
The courts could consider more lenient sentences for those who fully cooperate with investigations, providing critical information leading to the arrest of more significant players in the drug trade. Providing information of criminal activity is a mitigating circumstance, reducing sentences, and it is possible for an accomplice to miss a jail term altogether if their evidence is critical in a prosecution of a more dangerous and important criminal.
While law enforcement plays a crucial role, addressing the demand side is equally important. Education and public awareness campaigns are vital in reducing drug abuse and ultimately diminishing the market for skanky and other illicit substances. Zimbabwe has adopted a two-pronged approach, prosecuting dealers while imposing fines for smaller, non-commercial quantities of drugs. However, a more robust system is needed to track repeat offenders, potentially leading to mandatory rehabilitation or imprisonment.
Community involvement is also key. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activity, providing valuable intelligence to law enforcement agencies. This proactive approach, coupled with strengthened law enforcement and public awareness, offers the best hope of curbing the spread of skanky and protecting Zimbabwe’s communities from the devastating consequences of this new drug threat.
