Pubdate: 7 Mar 1999 Source: The Zimbabwe Standard Contact: P O Box 661730, Kopje, Harare, Zimbabwe Copyright: 1999 Zimbabwe Standard Fax: 263 4 773941 Website: http://www.samara.co.zw/standard/index.cfm 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Mike Gogulski