Authorities in Zimbabwe have dismantled a network of illegal cough syrup dealers after intercepting truckloads of unregistered and potentially lethal medicines at multiple locations in Beitbridge and Harare. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the abuse of cough syrups as intoxicants and the health risks posed by unregulated pharmaceutical products.
The operation began on 24 August 2025 at the Beitbridge Border Post, where detectives stopped a truck driver, identified as Asha Muchenje, for routine inspection. During a thorough search, officers discovered 19 boxes of Broncleer cough syrup and three boxes of Astra-Pain cough syrup, each containing dozens of 100ml bottles. The medicines had been concealed behind the driver’s seat, suggesting a deliberate attempt to evade authorities.
Within 24 hours, police in Southerton, Harare, acted on intelligence linking two local residents, 53-year-olds Claris Matorerwei and Admore Gaadza, to the illicit trade. Officers seized 12 boxes of Astra-Pain cough syrup from a Toyota Hilux belonging to the suspects. Later the same day, another individual, Munyaradzi Korovedzai (46), was apprehended on the same road while transporting 20 boxes of Broncleer cough syrup hidden in his Toyota Corolla.
Authorities warn that these unregistered medicines pose serious health hazards. “Unregistered medicines are a ticking time bomb because they bypass quality checks and put unsuspecting users in grave danger,” police said in a statement. The chemical compositions of these syrups are unverified, and consumption can lead to severe health consequences, including liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure, or even death.
Health professionals have expressed alarm over the growing abuse of Broncleer and Astra-Pain cough syrups. The syrups are commonly misused as inexpensive intoxicants, with individuals mixing them with fizzy drinks to induce a high. Doctors caution that such misuse can quickly escalate to fatal overdoses or long-term organ damage.
Dr. Tapiwa Chikova, a Harare-based medical practitioner, explained, “The problem is twofold. Firstly, these medicines are not registered, meaning their ingredients and dosages are unverified. Secondly, people are consuming them recreationally, often in large amounts, which can cause irreversible damage to vital organs.”
Authorities Crack Down on Illicit Cough Syrup Syndicate in Beitbridge and Harare
The crackdown reflects a broader effort by authorities to curb the circulation of unlicensed pharmaceuticals in Zimbabwe. Police have emphasized the importance of purchasing medicines exclusively from registered pharmacies. They have also urged the public to report any suspicious sellers or unusual shipments of medical products, highlighting that community vigilance is crucial in combating the ongoing cough syrup crisis.
The arrests in Beitbridge and Harare are part of a coordinated operation targeting the illegal importation and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Investigators have noted that syndicates often smuggle cough syrup across borders due to lax controls and high demand, particularly among youths seeking cheap intoxicants. Police are currently interrogating the suspects and investigating whether they are linked to larger networks operating both within Zimbabwe and across the region.
“This is a wake-up call for the public,” said a senior police spokesperson. “People must understand that these products are not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Even a single bottle from an unregistered source can have fatal consequences. Authorities are committed to rooting out these syndicates to safeguard public health.”
In addition to immediate enforcement actions, the Ministry of Health and Child Care is reportedly reviewing policies to strengthen oversight of pharmaceuticals at the border and within domestic distribution channels. Officials are considering stricter penalties for smuggling, increased monitoring of registered and unregistered products, and public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the risks of consuming illicit medicines.
Community leaders and medical experts have also called for a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing that enforcement alone is insufficient. Awareness campaigns targeting youth, educational programs on drug abuse, and access to rehabilitation services are seen as key components in tackling the abuse of cough syrup as an intoxicant.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police stressed that the recent seizures are only a fraction of the ongoing crackdown. Authorities have reiterated that unlicensed sales of medicines will not be tolerated and that those involved in the illegal trade face severe legal consequences, including arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
As investigations continue, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and cautious. Citizens are advised to verify the authenticity of any medicine before use, avoid purchasing from informal vendors, and report suspicious activities to law enforcement. With coordinated efforts from authorities, health professionals, and communities, officials hope to contain the growing threat posed by illicit cough syrup syndicates in Zimbabwe.
Source-Bulawayo24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
