Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 23-YEAR-OLD suspected drug dealer from Bulawayo has appeared in court after he was allegedly found in possession of dagga and a consignment of cough syrups containing codeine phosphate.
Gift Ncube Pfachurai of Nkulumane suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Beverly Madzikatire, facing charges of unlawful possession of a dangerous drug and possession of prohibited, controlled and restricted medicines.
He was remanded in custody until January 16 pending the production of a forensic report.
Prosecuting, Mr Methuli Ncube told the court that on December 28 at around 10PM, police officers received a tip-off that Pfachurai was in possession of dangerous drugs along George Silundika Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets in Bulawayo.
“Acting on the information, police approached and searched the accused person,” said Mr Ncube.
The search led to the recovery of 16 sachets of dagga hidden in the accused’s jacket pocket, while a red cooler box placed next to him contained 21 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup with 10mg codeine phosphate, three bottles of prohibited Benylin cough syrup and two bottles of Salterpayn cough syrup, also containing codeine phosphate.
The accused was asked to produce a permit authorising him to possess or trade in the drugs, but failed to do so, resulting in his arrest.
The dagga was taken to Bulawayo Main Post Office for weighing in the presence of the accused and was found to weigh 68 grams, while the recovered medicines were taken to a pharmacist for expert examination.
The recovered drugs and medicines have an estimated street value of ZWG5 000.
