Harare Correspondent
CHIRUNDU – In a significant interception, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers at the Chirundu border post have arrested a truck driver allegedly attempting to smuggle a large consignment of unauthorized pharmaceutical drugs into the country.
The arrest of Solo Chikuvanyanga (52) occurred on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, after authorities stopped and searched his vehicle at the 348km peg along the busy Harare-Chirundu Highway.
A subsequent search of the truck revealed a hidden stash of various medicines, including paracetamol, amoxicillin, promethazine, cotrimoxazole, chlorphenamine, and other pharmaceutical products intended for the black market.
“This was a well-coordinated operation based on intelligence,” said Assistant Inspector Tendai Moyo, a spokesperson for the ZRP.
“The interception of this illicit cargo prevents these unregulated and potentially dangerous products from reaching our communities. The suspect is in custody and will face the full force of the law.”
The bust has drawn attention to the persistent illegal trade in medicines, which poses a severe risk to public health. Officials warn that smuggled drugs are unverified, may be counterfeit or expired, and are sold without proper medical guidance.
A representative from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized the dangers.
“When medicines are sold on the black market, there is no quality control. We have no idea where they were manufactured, under what conditions, or if they contain the correct ingredients. This practice undermines our healthcare system and endangers lives.”
The truck and its illicit cargo have been impounded as investigations continue. Chikuvanyanga is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the smuggling of controlled goods.
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