Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
A 30-YEAR-OLD Beitbridge woman, who stashed seven pockets of potatoes with mbanje before transporting them to Harare in a Honda Fit, has been jailed for an effective three years.
Since the start of the crackdown on drug peddling and smuggling along the border with South Africa, dealers have been devising ways to evade arrest.
Some methods include concealing contraband in false vehicle compartments, inside new refrigerators, stoves, washing powder, groceries and packets of potatoes.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said Lea Leanah Chaka was arrested on September 18, while travelling in a Honda Fit at Engen Service station heading towards Masvingo.
She was convicted for unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs.
“At around 3am on September 19, the vehicle was stopped at Bubi roadblock along the Beitbridge to Masvingo highway.
“During a police search, the officers discovered 17 cobs of mbanje (marijuana) hidden inside the potato pockets. The contraband weighed a total of 9,3kg with a street value of US$930,” said the NPA.
