Drug dealers given celebrity status in bars
DRUG dealers “move freely” in upmarket city bars and are given “celebrity-like status” as they conduct their business in the drinking spots that have been turned into illicit drug havens, Sunday News can reveal.
Sunday News carried out an investigation after reports of drug dealing at two clubs in Bulawayo and discovered a world of unfettered drug distribution by gold chain-wearing dealers. Quite often, incidents of violence have been observed at these night spots with security personnel turning a blind eye on such activities.
A patron who frequents both clubs described how drug dealers “hugged and greeted” door staff, promoters and bar staff, and were able to by-pass the paying queue without being searched. Once inside, they “move freely” through the premises and were given an “almost celebrity-like” status, this publication observed.
As part of the investigation into the supply of class A drugs at bars and nightclubs in Bulawayo, Sunday News has discovered an underground drug syndicate mostly run by two dealers one of whom is known to live in Queens Park West. Sources claim the house has over 20 security cameras and vicious dogs to protect him from raids by the police.
“We are used to seeing these guys come here and do what they want. It’s very disappointing to see the bar management, security and other personnel treating these people like kings and giving them unlimited access to all parts of the club. “The police have to deal with this menace before it gets out of hand. What worries me the most is that these clubs allow young girls and boys into their premises and they are very susceptible to drug addiction,” said a source who is a regular at a particular club in the city.
Concerned patrons have called on the police to go undercover in a sting operation across the city’s bars to stem criminal activity linked to the supply of drugs. They said the increasing number of unreported violent acts at these clubs is a result of drug induced confrontations. — @RealSimbaJemwa