Four Arrested at Beitbridge Border Post for Possession of Unregistered Medicines

Drugs in coffins

Four suspects have been arrested at the Beitbridge Border Post for allegedly possessing large quantities of unregistered medicines, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed. Police said the arrests were made on Thursday, 12 March, during separate operations carried out in Beitbridge.

In the first incident, police arrested Wisdom Munyonga (37) and Tendai Gwainda (38) at around 3:30 am after officers searched a Volvo FH truck they were travelling in. According to police, the search uncovered several boxes of cough syrup concealed under the trailer’s chassis. The consignment included 13 boxes of Broncleer Cough Syrup (50 x 100ml), 40 boxes of Benylin Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml), and 44 boxes of Astra Pain Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml). Authorities said the medicines were not registered for lawful distribution.

Benylin Cough Syrup

In a separate incident later the same day, police acted on a tip-off and arrested Mtonga Fumu (44) and Dereck Lonje (43). The suspects were travelling in a Toyota Hilux towing a trailer carrying five coffins with bodies as well as various groceries. After searching the vehicle, police discovered additional boxes of cough syrup hidden inside the coffins. The recovered medicines included 26 boxes of Benylin Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml), three boxes of Astra Pain Cough Syrup (48 x 100ml), and two boxes of Broncleer Cough Syrup (50 x 100ml).

Police said the suspects are facing charges of unlawful possession of unregistered medicines.

Authorities have not yet indicated where the medicines were destined or whether additional suspects may be involved. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal movement and distribution of pharmaceutical products through the country’s border posts. Investigations are continuing.

Beitbridge border police arrest