Online Reporter
FIVE people were yanked to court after being found in possession of 306 kilogrammes of dagga and 49 cartons containing 50 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup.
The suspects, who were reportedly transporting the contraband from Bulawayo, are facing charges of dealing in dangerous drugs and possession of unregistered medicines.
The accused — Paradzai Kamurengemu (43), Givemore Tsavayo (38), Nhosikona Moyo (35), Tafadzwa Mapika (20) and Faith Matekede (37) – appeared before magistrate Ms Sharon Mashavira.
The State, represented by District Public Prosecutor Ms Francisca Mukumbiri, opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the high likelihood of the accused absconding trial.
The five were remanded in custody until September 1, when the court is expected to rule on their bail application.
According to the State, on August 23 at around 1 am, detectives received a tip-off that the accused were transporting dangerous drugs in a red rigid truck, registration number AGA 7940.
Acting on this information, detectives initiated surveillance and intercepted the truck at the Kuwadzana Extension turn-off in Harare.
The police officers identified themselves and explained their mission, before conducting a search of the truck.
The search allegedly yielded 20 sacks, each containing at least 10kg of dagga.
Four suspects were present at the scene and were taken into custody.
During questioning, they implicated Matekede as an accomplice.
Following the lead, detectives arranged a meeting with Matekede along Robson Manyika Street in Harare.
Upon her arrival, Matekede allegedly accepted two sacks of dagga and was immediately arrested.
In addition to the dagga, the same suspects were allegedly found in possession of 49 cartons of BronCleer cough syrup, each containing 50x100ml bottles.
