Criminals use empty coffins to smuggle drugs

Law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe have uncovered increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals to smuggle dangerous drugs and unregistered medicines, particularly through Beitbridge Border Post. Traffickers have been concealing illicit substances inside coffins and using fake burial orders to move contraband across the border, while in other cases empty coffins have been used as a cover for transporting large quantities of cough syrups and other unregistered medicines.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that several suspects have been arrested in connection with these schemes, highlighting the growing sophistication of smuggling networks. In one incident, suspects were caught transporting multiple coffins containing hidden contraband, including large quantities of cough syrups such as Benylin and Broncleer. In another case, transporters using a vehicle posing as a funeral service were intercepted after presenting a fake burial order, only for authorities to discover thousands of bottles of cough syrup concealed inside an empty coffin.

Further arrests have been made across different locations, with drugs hidden under truck trailers, inside cardboard boxes, and disguised as everyday goods. These operations have included the seizure of cannabis and unregistered medicines, some of which were valued at significant amounts. Police also reported the dismantling of a syndicate involving multiple suspects allegedly trafficking around 200 kilogrammes of mbanje along cross-border routes.

Commissioner Nyathi reiterated that the Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to combating drug trafficking and warned that all individuals involved in the illegal production, transportation, or distribution of drugs will face arrest and prosecution. The developments highlight both the evolving tactics of smugglers and the ongoing efforts by authorities to strengthen border security and curb the spread of illicit substances.