42-year-old Bulawayo Man in Court for Cocaine, Ecstasy Dealing

A 42-year-old man, Gary Bell, has appeared before the Bulawayo Regional Court for unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, following his arrest at Smoke House Bar in Burnside during a police operation.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit in Bulawayo conducted a surveillance operation at the bar on 14 February after receiving intelligence reports. Bell arrived at the location in a silver Toyota double cab (registration AFX 2911) and was searched upon exiting the vehicle.

The search led to the discovery of six sachets of cocaine weighing approximately 6 grams, valued at USD 480, and five ecstasy tablets worth USD 60. Police also found digital weighing scales and razor blades with cocaine residue. A further search at Bell’s residence uncovered more cocaine hidden in a jewelry box inside a wardrobe.

Bell has been charged under Section 156(1)(a)(c) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. His case has been remanded to 20 March 2025 for a bail ruling.