Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, Sunday News Reporter
TWO men have been arrested after being found in possession of 100 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, a substance commonly abused as a recreational drug, valued at approximately US$1 000 on the street.
The suspects, Dennis Ndlovu (26) of Efusini in Tsholotsho, popularly known as King Denara, and Edward Phiri (32) of Makokoba suburb, were arrested for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs after police intercepted their white Toyota Quantum at the Esigodini Tollgate along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
In a statement, Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drugs Section acted swiftly following a tip-off.
“CID Drugs received information that a white Toyota Quantum travelling from South Africa was carrying suspected illegal substances. Detectives intercepted the vehicle at Esigodini Tollgate and, upon searching it, discovered a Maq surf box and a black cooler bag containing 100 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup,” she said.
Upon questioning the occupants of the vehicle, one individual claimed the parcel belonged to King Denara in Tsholotsho. Police then conducted a controlled delivery operation, which led to the arrest of Dennis Ndlovu after he collected the parcel.
“Ndlovu implicated Edward Phiri as the owner of the drugs. He also revealed that the cough syrup had been brought from South Africa by his sister, Sithabile Sibanda,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
The seized Broncleer, a codeine-based syrup, is classified as an unregistered medicine in Zimbabwe and is banned from sale without a prescription. It is widely abused for its sedative and intoxicating effects, and is often linked to addiction and mental health issues, particularly among young people.
Following the arrests, Asst Insp Msebele commended members of the public for their vigilance and continued co-operation in the fight against drug trafficking.
“We urge the Bulawayo community to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of our children by reporting anyone involved in dealing dangerous drugs. Drug abuse poses a serious threat to public health and national development,” she said.
Broncleer has emerged as a popular yet dangerous street drug in Zimbabwe. Frequently smuggled from countries such as South Africa, it is sold illegally and abused for its opioid content, particularly codeine, a highly addictive substance.
Its misuse is prevalent among youths seeking a cheap high.
In response, the Government has recently tightened surveillance at border posts and along transport corridors to curb the influx of such substances, which continue to contribute to social ills and crime.
