Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has intercepted a consignment of unregistered and prohibited cough syrup valued at about US$3 000 during a routine border control operation at Beitbridge Border Post.
According to a statement by the authority the seizure was made on May 27 by ZIMRA’s K9 Unit after a sniffer dog identified as Poncho detected the contraband during a routine search at the freight terminal.
“The consignment, comprising 300 units of 100ml Astra Pain cough syrup, was being transported by a female traveller aboard a bus travelling from South Africa to Dangamvura suburb in Mutare,” read part of the statement.
Authorities said the products were seized in line with customs control procedures after they were found to be unregistered and prohibited.
The interception comes amid growing concern over the abuse of cough syrups and the proliferation of unregulated pharmaceutical products entering the country through border posts.
In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to curb the smuggling of medicines and illicit substances amid fears that some cough syrups are being abused, particularly by youths, while unlabelled pharmaceutical products pose serious health risks to consumers.
ZIMRA said it continues to play a key role in safeguarding the public from harmful and unregulated products entering the country.
The authority reminded members of the public that pharmaceutical products are regulated by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and require the necessary licensing and approvals before importation or distribution.
ZIMRA also warned against smuggling and urged importers and travellers to comply with all customs and regulatory requirements.
The revenue authority said attempts to move undeclared, unregistered or prohibited goods through the country’s ports of entry would continue to be detected and dealt with in accordance with the law.
Beitbridge Border Post remains one of the country’s busiest entry points and has in recent years recorded numerous interceptions of smuggled goods ranging from drugs and medicines to counterfeit products and restricted substances as authorities tighten surveillance and border security measures.
