Thupeyo Muleya [email protected]
An illicit prescription medicine supply chain moving drugs from South Africa into Zimbabwe is coming under increasing scrutiny after the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) recorded 41 seizures of controlled medicines at Beitbridge Border Post and surrounding areas over a period of between six and 12 months.
The interceptions highlight the growing challenge of preventing prescription medicines, particularly codeine-based cough syrups, from being diverted into illicit drug markets, where they are abused for their intoxicating effects.
The latest seizure involved 4 675 units of controlled medicines, with an estimated street value of US$23 375. The consignment comprised 2 600 units of Broncleer, 1 650 units of Benylin and 425 units of Astra Pain.
Although the vehicle carrying the consignment was destined for Chipinge, the medicines were reportedly intended for delivery in Kadoma, highlighting how illicit supplies can move beyond border communities and penetrate the country’s interior.
The medicines, particularly codeine-based cough syrups, are sought after by substance abusers who mix them with alcohol or soft drinks to produce an intoxicating concoction popularly known as “bronco”.
Recent studies cited in the country have estimated that 7,1 percent of young people abuse drugs, with substances reportedly including cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, Broncleer, illicit beverages and other products.
Zimra spokesperson Mr Gladman Njanji confirmed the 41 seizures, saying smugglers were exploiting commuter transport systems, commercial trucks and informal cross-border routes to move the medicines into Zimbabwe.
“The station (Beitbridge Border Post) has recorded 41 seizures of controlled medicines over a period of six to 12 months,” he said.
“Most detections involve unaccompanied baggage transported from South Africa in commuter omnibuses or by omalayitsha (cross-border transporters), as well as consignments carried in commercial trucks.”
Mr Njanji said smugglers were increasingly adopting deceptive packaging methods to evade detection, concealing medicines in containers designed for ordinary household and food products.
“Smugglers conceal the medicines in packaging intended for other products, such as cornflakes boxes and washing powder containers, or in drums and plastic containers,” he said.
The trafficking of prescription medicines presents both a law enforcement and public health challenge, as products intended for legitimate medical use are diverted into recreational consumption.
Codeine is an opioid used as a painkiller and cough suppressant under medical supervision. However, misuse and excessive consumption can lead to dependence, impaired alertness, respiratory depression and potentially fatal complications.
Mr Njanji said all medicines, regardless of their classification, require import permits issued by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) to be legally brought into the country.
“Import permits are issued by MCAZ. Zimra and the Ministry of Health enforce controls at ports of entry. Small quantities for personal use are permitted only if travellers produce a prescription from a medical doctor.
“Commercial consignments may only be imported by persons holding the relevant import licences,” he said.
He said the distinction between legitimate imports and smuggling was determined by whether the required documentation was available and whether the quantities involved complied with import regulations.
However, the problem extends beyond formal border infrastructure, with smugglers also exploiting undesignated crossing points along the Limpopo River.
“Smuggling remains rampant at undesignated crossing points. As Zimra, we continue to use drones and ground response teams to detect and combat smuggling. However, these efforts are constrained by limited road access and the porous nature of the border,” said Mr Njanji.
He identified Beitbridge, Chirundu and Plumtree as some of the major entry points used in the smuggling of controlled medicines.
To strengthen surveillance and disrupt illicit trade routes, Zimra is deploying canine units, baggage and cargo scanners, as well as drone technology, in collaboration with other border enforcement agencies.
The operations involve the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army, Department of Immigration, MCAZ and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Mr Njanji said confiscated medicines were kept at State warehouses and, where offenders were prosecuted, retained as exhibits before being destroyed under the supervision of relevant authorities.
He said the medicines seized in the latest Beitbridge operation had not yet been handed over to MCAZ, while Ministry of Health officials were expected to assist in issuing certificates of condemnation to authorise their destruction.
Under the Customs and Excise Act, offenders face a level 12 fine of US$2 000 or imprisonment for up to five years, according to Zimra.
The authority urged travellers and cross-border traders to comply with import requirements, warning that smuggling medicines could expose communities, particularly children, to serious health risks.
It also urged members of the public to obtain medicines from authorised pharmacies and use them only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners.
The latest interceptions come as Government intensifies efforts to address drug and substance abuse through a combination of law enforcement, prevention and public health interventions.
In 2023, President Mnangagwa established an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse to coordinate the national response to the problem.
In a related development, Cabinet on Tuesday approved the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2 (2026–2030), which seeks to strengthen the prevention, detection and prosecution of corruption while improving the country’s integrity systems.
Presenting the strategy, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning, identified gold smuggling and weaknesses in border management as areas requiring targeted intervention.
He said closing loopholes in border controls and improving information-sharing among Government agencies would help curb corruption.
The strategy also seeks to strengthen the entire corruption enforcement chain, from the identification and investigation of cases to prosecution and the recovery and forfeiture of proceeds of crime.
Gold smuggling and corruption loopholes at border posts are among the high-risk areas targeted under the new five-year anti-corruption strategy.
