BEITBRIDGE – A joint security team stationed at the Beitbridge Border Post has intercepted a major consignment of mbanje (cannabis) worth thousands of dollars that was being smuggled into the country aboard a Malawi-bound bus, officials confirmed yesterday.
According to a security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, the operation followed a tip-off that the bus was carrying prohibited substances, including mbanje, BronCleer, and Astrapain — cough syrups commonly abused as narcotics.
“We got a tip-off that the bus was carrying mbanje, BronCleer, and Astrapain prohibited cough syrups,” the officer said. “We then searched the vehicle and found 43 cobs and 69 small sachets of mbanje, which we believe weigh several hundred kilograms. However, the actual weight and value will be confirmed once all pre-scene procedures are completed.”
Authorities suspect that most of the intercepted mbanje originated from South Africa, and was destined for distribution across Zimbabwe’s high-density suburbs, where demand for illicit drugs continues to rise.
The seizure underscores the growing concern among law enforcement agencies over the surge in cross-border drug trafficking, with Beitbridge increasingly becoming a hotspot for smuggling syndicates exploiting passenger buses and haulage trucks to move contraband.
Security teams at the busy border post have since intensified inspections and joint operations aimed at curbing the inflow of illegal substances and protecting communities from the social and health dangers posed by drug abuse.
Investigations into the origin and intended recipients of the intercepted consignment are ongoing.
