Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) on Sunday intercepted a South African truck driver at the Beitbridge Border Post attempting to smuggle 163 kilogrammes of marijuana (mbanje), valued at US$32 600, into the country.
In a statement, Zimra’s Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, said the hallucinogenic drugs were discovered during a routine inspection at 4am.
The contraband had been concealed within a South African-registered Hino Horse truck transporting vehicles in transit through Zimbabwe to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
She said customs officials, utilising K9 units, located the drugs hidden under blankets and plastic wrapping.
“The truck, driven by an unnamed South African, had entered from South Africa and was transiting through Zimbabwe and Zambia en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The matter is currently under investigation by law enforcement agencies,” said the Commissioner General.
Ms Chinamasa condemned the smuggling operation, emphasising that Zimra remains committed to enhancing border security.
“The trafficking of illegal drugs poses a significant threat to our society. Zimra will continue to diligently safeguard our borders against drugs and illicit substances,” she added.
She also commended the vigilance of the customs officials and other border agencies involved in the case. “We encourage the public to report any suspected smuggling or drug trafficking activities,” she said.
Recently, there has been an upsurge in cases where drug peddlers are smuggling mbanje (skunk) from South Africa in large quantities via the Limpopo River or through the border using light cross-border transporters known as Omalaitsha.
It is understood that most of the drugs are destined for high-density suburbs in Bulawayo and Harare.
Online Reporter