Sidumisile Mabena
B-Metro Reporter
POLICE have smashed a suspected cough syrup smuggling ring after intercepting a foreign registered Toyota Quantum stuffed with banned medicines at Beitbridge.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said officers acted on a tip off on 8 February 2026 and arrested Ozzie Sibindi (45) and Kilet Sibanda (33) at the northbound bus search bay.
“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 82 boxes each containing 50 x 100ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup and 38 boxes of 48 x 100ml Benylin cough syrup, all wrapped in black plastic,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
In a related bust on the same day, police in Chisumbanje arrested Siluze Ncube (24) and Cliford Mufambi (40) after recovering a stash of Broncleer cough syrup at their homestead in Checheche Phase 5, Chipinge.
Police said the medicines are unregistered in Zimbabwe, making their possession and sale illegal.
Health authorities have repeatedly warned that cough syrups like Broncleer are banned because they contain codeine or codeine related compounds, which are opioids. When abused, these substances can cause addiction, hallucinations, slowed breathing, liver damage and even death, especially among youths who mix them with alcohol or soft drinks for intoxication.
Unregistered medicines also pose serious risks because they bypass Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) checks, meaning their quality, dosage, ingredients and expiry dates cannot be verified. This exposes users to poisoning, organ failure and long term health complications.
Zimbabwe’s stance is guided by the National Drug and Substance Abuse Policy, which aims to reduce supply and demand of illicit drugs, protect public health and clamp down on trafficking networks. The policy empowers law enforcement to intercept contraband at borders, dismantle supply chains and prosecute offenders, while promoting community awareness and rehabilitation.
Comm Nyathi reiterated that police will not relent. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to intensify operations against drug and substance abuse syndicates across the country,” he said.
Members of the public are urged to report dealers and smugglers as authorities tighten the noose on those pushing dangerous substances into communities.
Online Reporter