Harare Drug Lords Fined Only US$200 After Smuggling Over 1,000 Bottles of Broncleer Worth Over US$10K
Two Harare drug lords were fined only US$200 after authorities caught them smuggling more than 1,000 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup worth over US$10K.
Drug Smuggling Operation Exposed
Tamary Mutote, 37, from Budiriro, and Lillian Ngwarati, 25, from Tyinward South, were arrested at Beitbridge. According to reports, police received a tip-off about the duo’s illicit activities, on the 24th of July 2024.
They learned that the two had smuggled five shrink-wrapped boxes containing the dangerous cough syrup. Acting on the information, detectives moved quickly to the secluded location where Mutote and Ngwarati were staying.
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A Swift Arrest
Upon arrival, the detectives introduced themselves and explained the purpose of their visit. The drug lords permitted the officers to search the premises. During the search, police discovered the five boxes, which contained unregistered dangerous drugs.
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Immediately, the police arrested Mutote and Ngwarati. They were taken into custody and appeared in court the following day. The evidence against them was overwhelming.
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Lenient Sentencing Sparks Outrage
In court, both women were found guilty of drug smuggling. Surprisingly, they received a fine of only US$200 each. If they failed to pay this fine, they faced five months in prison.
Additionally, the court sentenced them to 19 months in prison. However, four months of this sentence were suspended for three years. The remaining 15 months were also suspended, contingent on performing 425 hours of community service.