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Sikhumbuzo Moyo,[email protected]

 AS the fight against drug and substance abuse continues to gather traction, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) on Tuesday confiscated 450 bottles of illegal cough syrups at a flat in Harare.

The raid, conducted by MCAZ inspectors and a team of officers from the CID drugs and narcotics division, seized 350 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup and 100 bottles of Adco-Salterpyn syrup.

“After an anonymous tipoff, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has successfully confiscated a total of 450 Bottles of illegal cough syrups (BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn) during a raid conducted at Old Trafford flats located at 13 Edmond Avenue, Belvedere, Harare. This significant seizure is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse as well as the 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-Salterpyn syrup,” reads a statement by the MCAZ director general Mr Richard Rukwata.

 The suspect present at the scene is said to be cooperating with law enforcement agencies to assist with investigations into the matter.

BronCleer and Adco-Salterpyn Syrup are opioid-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. Its misuse poses serious health risks and can lead to various complications if not used under proper medical supervision.

“The MCAZ remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only authorised 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. MCAZ urges members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug and substance abuse and the distribution or sale of unregulated pharmaceutical products. Your cooperation is vital in our collective efforts to protect public health and safety,” said Mr Rukwata.

On Wednesday, the inter-Ministerial Task Force on drug and substance abuse said it has been frequently meeting in light of the observed increases in cases of drug and substance abuse. The committee’s pillars Supply Reduction; Demand Reduction; Harm Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation; Psycho-Social Support and Community Re-Integration; Media and Information all have different rules of engagement.

Under the supply Reduction Pillar, raids and operations against drug suppliers, dealers and peddlers are regularly conducted, and a total of 5 367 offenders were arrested during the period 7 July to 23 September 2023. This represents a sharp increase on the 4 328 arrests made for the whole year of 2022. A total of 81 bases, where drug users and peddlers converge to sell and consume drugs, were destroyed during the period under review.