Online Reporter
Post Reporter
TWO men were on Sunday arrested when police recovered a contraband of unregistered medicines at the duo’s residence as law enforcement agents intensify crackdowns on drugs and dangerous substances.
Police confirmed the arrest of Siluze Ncube (24) and Clifford Mufambi (40) on their X (formerly Twitter) handle.
“On Sunday, February 8, police in Chisumbanje arrested Siluze Ncube (24) and Cliford Mufambi (40) for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines. Police recovered a contraband of Broncleer Cough Syrup at the suspects’ homestead in Checheche Phase 5, Chipinge,” said the police.
Cough syrups like Broncleer are banned in the country because they contain codeine or codeine related compounds, which are opioids; with health authorities repeatedly warning the public against their use. 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, as their quality, dosage, ingredients and expiry dates cannot be readily verified. This exposes users to poisoning, organ failure and long term health complications.
Zimbabwe’s has declared zero tolerance on drugs and dangerous substances, a position informed by the National Drug and Substance Abuse Policy whose aim is to reduce supply and demand of illicit drugs, protect public health and clamp down on trafficking networks.
The policy empowers law enforcement to intercept and seize contraband at borders, dismantle supply chains and prosecute offenders, while promoting community awareness and rehabilitation.
