ASHLEY MASAKADZA

450 bottles of illegal cough syrup were seized yesterday at a flat in Belvedere, Harare by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) in an ongoing operation to combat the illegal distribution of drugs and dangerous substances in the country.

In a statement,  MCAZ said the illegal cough syrup was confiscated at Old Trafford Flats located at number 13 Edmond Road in Belvedere after they received an anonymous tipoff. The bounty had 350 bottles of Bronclear cough syrup and 100 bottles of Adco-Salterpryn syrup.

“This significant seizure is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse as well as illegal distribution and misuse of pharmaceutical products within the country. During the operation, MCAZ inspectors working with Officers from the CID Drugs and Narcotics discovered and seized 350 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup and 100 bottles of Adco-Salterpryn syrup.

“The two medicines are opioids containing cough syrups which are not registered in Zimbabwe. Opioids are considered dangerous drugs and these cough syrups are being abused by opioid drug addicts,” reads the statement.

The organization said it will continue to work towards safeguarding public health together with law enforcement authorities to identify and apprehend suspects in the illicit trade of drugs and harmful substances.

“The MCAZ remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only authorized and regulated medicines are available on the market. The Authority will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illicit trade of such substances.”