By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
Authorities have seized a massive 788 kilograms of mbanje (dagga) at the Beitbridge Border Post on Friday, in a joint operation targeting cross-border drug smuggling.
The contraband was discovered after a tip-off led security officers to impound a CB Coaches bus bound for Malawi. Upon inspection, officers uncovered large quantities of banned cough syrups and undeclared alcohol.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge district (Dispol), Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube, confirmed the seizure.
ZIMRA also released a statement detailing the operation, noting that intelligence from national enforcement agents prompted the search.
The contraband was concealed using 45 comforters, and the bus was crewed by six individuals, two of whom were arrested while the remaining four escaped. According to ZIMRA:
“43 bales of marijuana weighing approximately 719 kgs, 69 small packages of marijuana weighing about 71 kgs, 234 units of Astrapain, 561 units of Bronclear, 720 units of Benylin,” read part of the statement
The street value of the seized marijuana is estimated at USD 78,000, while the controlled medicines are valued at USD 16,200.
The joint operation involved members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), reflecting intensified anti-smuggling patrols at the country’s busiest port of entry.
ZIMRA emphasized that the seizure forms part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, drug abuse, and corruption, and outlined measures such as client education, penalties for controlled substances, physical and random inspections, and the deployment of K9 units to prevent similar incidents in the future.
All seized items have been handed over to CID Beitbridge for processing and valuation, while investigations continue to trace the source and intended destination of the illegal cargo.