Police at the Beitbridge border post recently intercepted a Toyota Quantum minibus attempting to cross from South Africa into Zimbabwe under false pretences.
What initially appeared to be a solemn funeral transport turned out to be a front for smuggling large quantities of cough syrup containing codeine.
Upon inspection, officials discovered concealed bottles of BronCleer (commonly called Bronco) and Benylin with codeine, substances frequently misused for their intoxicating effects.
The illicit cargo was hidden beneath funeral wreaths and blankets, an attempt to exploit the emotional sensitivity surrounding funerals to evade scrutiny.
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An official at the scene revealed that inconsistencies in the vehicle’s documentation and the occupants’ behaviour raised suspicions, prompting a thorough search.
“They relied on the assumption that a funeral procession would not be questioned, but certain details didn’t add up,” the source stated.
The driver and two passengers were immediately taken into custody as investigations continue to trace the origins of the drugs and determine whether an organised smuggling network is involved.
Residents near the border expressed outrage at the deception. “Using a funeral as a cover is both deceitful and disrespectful,” remarked one onlooker.
This incident has fuelled growing concerns over drug trafficking between South Africa and Zimbabwe, with renewed calls for stricter border security measures to curb the flow of illegal substances.
