Crimes and Courts<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BULAWAYO \u2013 Police in Bulawayo have seized a massive consignment of illegal codeine-based cough syrups with a street value running into thousands of dollars, though the driver of the vehicle managed to flee the scene in a daring escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The significant bust took place on September 15 when vigilant officers on an anti-smuggling operation stopped a Toyota Hilux along Solusi Road. A search of the vehicle uncovered 1,536 bottles of banned cough syrup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, police confirmed the recovery of \u201c239 x 100ml bottles of Benylin cough syrup and 1,297 x 100ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The driver has been identified as Malvin Ncube (36), who is now the subject of a widespread manhunt. He faces charges of smuggling and possession of dangerous drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health experts classify these syrups as illegal substances due to their high codeine content, an addictive opioid. Abuse can lead to a morphine-like high, respiratory failure, liver damage, seizures, and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A source from the National Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce emphasized the severity of the issue, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not just cough medicine. It is a gateway drug that destroys young lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This seizure is part of the government’s intensified crackdown under the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan, which has seen increased raids, public awareness campaigns, and tighter border controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele reiterated the force’s commitment, saying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEvery bottle we take off the streets is a life saved. We urge communities to report these dealers before more youths fall victim to this poison.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities have warned drug traffickers that Zimbabwe will not be a playground for peddlers of death in a bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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