On Saturday, April 13, police in Beitbridge apprehended a woman for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines and contraband food products. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers moved in on Dulibadzimu Bus Terminus, where they intercepted 32-year-old Emmaculata Chikara in connection with the illicit haul.
Authorities confirmed the recovery of 1,496 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, each containing 100ml of the restricted substance. Broncleer, commonly abused for its codeine content, remains a tightly controlled medicine under Zimbabwe’s health regulations. The seizure adds to a growing trend of pharmaceutical smuggling across border towns.
In addition to the unregistered drugs, nine boxes of suspected smuggled chicken cuts were also confiscated at the scene. Health officials have routinely raised red flags over the influx of unregulated meat products, warning of potential health hazards and the disruption of local poultry markets.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has since urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Investigations into the origin and destination of the seized goods are ongoing, as authorities tighten surveillance on cross-border criminal syndicates operating along the Beitbridge border post.
