Watch: Smugglers busted hiding 800 bottles of BronCleer in 20-litre containers

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), working with other security agents to crack down on drug and related substance smuggling through the Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE), has intercepted a consignment of 800 bottles of BronCleer (Bronco) cough syrup that was concealed in 20-litre containers.

In a statement on Wednesday, Zimra said the interception was made at the light cross-border transporters’ search bay, commonly known as the Malume Zone.
“Zimra officers have intercepted approximately 800 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup in the Malume Zone at Beitbridge Border Post,” said Zimra.

“The illegal consignment was destined for unlawful distribution, posing a serious threat to public health and community safety. Protecting civil society is at the core of Zimra’s mandate.
“We will not allow Zimbabwe to become either a destination or a transit route for illegal drugs and harmful substances.”

The organisation said it will continue to carry out enhanced surveillance, intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to safeguard the nation.

Zimra said collaboration in fighting customs-related crime was critical to protecting communities.

BronCleer is banned and considered an illegal substance in the country primarily due to widespread abuse, which has created a public health crisis, particularly among young people.

In addition, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has prohibited its importation and distribution because it is not registered for sale in the country and is, in fact, an unregistered opioid-containing medicine.

In light of surging cases of drug and substance smuggling into the country, the Government has established four ZRP Drugs and Narcotics Units at four border posts, namely: Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Chirundu and Forbes in Mutare.

New technologies such as drones are also being used to monitor the country’s borders, in addition to traditional surveillance methods, to reduce the smuggling and trafficking of drugs.