Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), in collaboration with the joint security team, on Friday seized 780 kg of mbanje (marijuana), 720 units of Benylin, 234 units of Astrapain, and 561 units of Broncleer from a CB Coaches bus in transit to Malawi.
The contraband is worth a combined US$94 200.
Zimra spokesperson Mr Gladman Njanji said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, drug abuse, and corruption.
“This aligns with our civil protection mandate,” he said.
Mr Njanji said the bus was intercepted following a tip–off and that the police were now investigating the matter.
“On October 31, during the handover process, Zimra officials received intelligence from national enforcement agents regarding potential contraband on a CB Coaches bus,” he stated.
“Upon inspection, the crew admitted to transporting Broncleer. Following this admission, Zimra officials conducted a thorough search, revealing a total of 43 bales of marijuana weighing approximately 719 kgs, 69 small packages weighing about 71 kgs, 234 units of Astrapain, 561 units of Broncleer and 720 units of Benylin.
“The contraband was cleverly concealed using 45 comforters. The bus was crewed by six individuals, two of whom were arrested; the remaining crew members escaped and are yet to be accounted for.”
He said the seized mbanje had an estimated street value of US$78 000, while the restricted medicines were valued at US$16 200.
Mr Njanji emphasised that Zimra recognises the pressing need to address the growing drug abuse problem in our communities.
He highlighted that to mitigate such incidents in the future, the organisation has been enhancing client education regarding controlled goods.
“In some instances, we are imposing penalties for importing controlled substances and continuing physical and random searches of transit vehicles,” said Mr Njanji.
“Additionally, we will employ K9 units and intensify searches to improve detection rates and ensure compliance with national regulations and laws.
“Zimra remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, smuggling, and drug abuse. We are committed to protecting our citizens and maintaining the integrity of our borders.”
To thwart the drug menace, the Government has since set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to formulate strategies and coordinate responses to the issue of drug and substance abuse in the country.
In addition, four ZRP Drugs and Narcotics Units have been established at four border posts, namely: Beitbridge; Victoria Falls; Chirundu; and Mutare.
New technologies like drones are also being used to monitor the country’s borders in addition to the traditional surveillance methods to reduce smuggling and trafficking of drugs.
In a related incident, a 29-year-old Beitbridge man was this week sentenced to 8 years in prison for unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs.
According to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, Brilliant Hove was found guilty and sentenced by the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court for unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs.
Hove was arrested on May 9, 2025, at Makadho Road Block in Beitbridge after detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit captured him transporting 8,674 kilograms of dagga unlawfully.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe emphasised that, “drug trafficking and illicit drug dealings will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to upholding the law and safeguarding communities from the harmful impact of drug abuse and organised drug trafficking networks.”
The post Joint border security, Zimra seize nearly US$100k drugs contraband at Beitbridge appeared first on herald.
The post Joint border security, Zimra seize nearly US$100k drugs contraband at Beitbridge appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.