In a significant law enforcement operation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intercepted a South African cross-border van engaged in smuggling a hazardous concoction of drugs into the country.
The van, operating along the Zimbabwe-South Africa route, was discovered to be transporting illicit substances valued at millions of US dollars.
During a routine inspection at a border checkpoint, alert ZRP officers uncovered a hidden cache of narcotics concealed within the vehicle.
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The seizure included codeine (an opioid commonly utilized for pain relief and cough suppression), marijuana, and cocaine (a potent stimulant derived from coca leaves).
The van’s driver ingeniously crafted a compartment beneath the trailer of the vehicle and secreted the drugs within it.
The contraband was meticulously arranged and stowed beneath the trailer, cleverly camouflaged beneath passengers’ luggage.
Zimbabwe has increasingly become a transit hub for drug trafficking, with both local and foreign syndicates operating within its borders.
Despite robust laws and policies against drug trafficking, the illicit trade persists, and criminal networks have become increasingly sophisticated.
Zimbabwe serves as a crucial inland transit route for heroin trafficked from Tanzania and Mozambique to markets in West and Southern Africa.
The methods of heroin infiltration vary, ranging from Zimbabwean migrant workers smuggling the substance to criminal networks utilizing cargo shipments and drug couriers.
Furthermore, drug syndicates exploit Zimbabwe as a conduit for trafficking cocaine and cannabis destined for global markets. These substances are smuggled into the country through land borders with Mozambique and South Africa.
In recent months, numerous individuals have been apprehended attempting to smuggle drugs into or through Zimbabwe.
Notably, Nigerian national Onuoha Desmond Onyii was arrested at Victoria Falls International Airport with 2.33 kilograms of cocaine.
Similarly, Indian national Ronald Florentius was intercepted at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport carrying 7.3 kilograms of heroin valued at US$5 million, intended for shipment to New Delhi.
