Underground Drug Bunker Discovered In Mbare As Three Arrested

By Staff Reporter

Three suspects have appeared in court after police allegedly uncovered a hidden underground bunker filled with drugs and unregistered medicines during a raid in Harare’s Mbare suburb.

The accused — Paul Mazinyani (37), Thelma Sorjen (25), and Prince Takaindisa (32) — appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing charges related to dangerous drugs and controlled medicines.

Police Raid Uncovers Secret Drug Stash

According to prosecutors, detectives acted on a tip-off regarding suspected drug dealing activities at a house in Mbare.

Court papers state that police first questioned Mazinyani during the raid. He allegedly led officers to his bedroom, where detectives recovered 10 bottles of 100ml Astra Pain cough syrup believed to contain codeine and alcohol.

Investigators reportedly expanded the search after Mazinyani allegedly implicated Sorjen.

Prosecutors told the court that Sorjen was found with keys linked to a concealed underground pit located in the backyard of the property.

Inside the hidden bunker, police allegedly recovered more than 25 kilogrammes of loose dagga and over 120 bottles of BronCleer cough syrup.

Authorities believe the underground storage area was being used to hide narcotics and unregistered medicines.

Third Suspect Allegedly Found Packaging Dagga

The court also heard that Takaindisa was allegedly caught packaging loose dagga into small sachets suspected to be intended for street sale.

Detectives reportedly recovered packaging materials during the operation.

The trio is facing charges under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.

They were remanded in custody and are expected to return to court next Tuesday for a bail hearing.
Drug Abuse Concerns Intensify In Harare

The alleged discovery has once again raised concerns over rising drug-related crimes in Harare’s high-density suburbs, particularly in Mbare.

Zimbabwean police have intensified anti-drug operations in recent years amid growing concern over substance abuse among youths and the spread of illegal medicines.

Authorities are yet to reveal the estimated street value of the recovered drugs.

The case is still before the courts.