Zimbabwean police have dealt a significant blow to the country’s growing drug trafficking problem after intercepting two major narcotics operations in Beitbridge, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of illicit substances worth over US$34,000. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the developments in a statement released Monday, highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb drug smuggling and abuse across the country.
The first incident occurred on June 28, when two men—Runesu Emmanuel (37) and Tinashe Chivende (27)—were apprehended by police while travelling along the Mazunga–Muranda dust road in a Toyota Wish, registration number AEQ 3565. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers set up a security checkpoint and intercepted the vehicle. A thorough search of the car led to the discovery of a substantial consignment of dagga (cannabis).
“Police in Beitbridge acted on received information and intercepted the vehicle. A search was conducted, leading to the recovery of 307.568 kilograms of dagga with a street value of US$30,756.80,” said the ZRP in an official statement.
The large quantity of cannabis, believed to be destined for distribution in other parts of the country, highlights the scale of illegal drug trade passing through border towns like Beitbridge. The arrested suspects are facing charges related to unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs and are expected to appear in court soon.
In a separate but related incident, another suspect, Tarusarira Tauya (35), was arrested on June 29 in Harare following an investigation linked to drug smuggling from Beitbridge. Tauya is accused of receiving a smuggled consignment of unregistered pharmaceutical products—specifically Broncleer, a cough syrup frequently abused for its codeine content.
Zimbabwean Police Foil Two Major Drug Trafficking Operations in Beitbridge
The operation began on June 28 when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics unit stationed at Beitbridge Border Post intercepted a Rimbi Bus Tours coach during an anti-smuggling inspection. Hidden among passengers’ luggage were 742 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup (100ml each), intended for delivery in the capital.
CID detectives then tracked the consignment to its intended recipient in Harare. Tauya was arrested at a garage along Simon Mazorodze Road while loading the illegal medicine into a silver Toyota Wish, registration number AFY 3876. The recovered cough syrup had an estimated street value of US$3,700.
According to the ZRP, investigations into both cases are ongoing, with further arrests and leads anticipated as part of broader efforts to dismantle drug networks operating in and around Zimbabwe’s border areas.
“The ZRP continues to intensify its fight against drug and substance abuse, and we urge members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking,” the police said.
These twin operations come amid growing national concern over the surge in drug abuse and trafficking, especially among the youth. Substances like cannabis, crystal meth, codeine-based syrups, and unregulated prescription drugs are increasingly flooding communities, contributing to rising addiction rates and public health crises.
Beitbridge, located at the southern border with South Africa, remains a key entry and exit point for both legal and illegal goods. The town’s busy border post is often exploited by traffickers seeking to smuggle drugs into Zimbabwe or use it as a transit route to other countries. The high traffic volume, combined with limited resources for screening and enforcement, presents ongoing challenges for authorities.
Civil society groups and anti-drug campaigners have welcomed the latest arrests but warn that sustained action is necessary to break the cycle of drug smuggling. They are calling for a multi-pronged strategy that includes increased border security, youth education programmes, community awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation services for addicts.
Meanwhile, the ZRP has reiterated its commitment to pursuing drug lords and dismantling syndicates that profit from narcotics. Police have also urged transport operators and cross-border traders to remain vigilant and avoid being used as conduits for smuggling illicit substances.
With further investigations underway, the latest seizures are a stark reminder of the evolving drug landscape in Zimbabwe and the need for coordinated efforts between law enforcement, communities, and regional partners to combat the scourge of drug trafficking.
Source- Bulawayo24
