Harare – The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has named 10 Chinese nationals who appeared in court facing charges of being found in possession of cocaine and sniffing the drug at a party in Harare.
The 10 Chinese consists of 6 men and four women appeared in court on Wednesday.
They have been named as Huang Zhen,39, Yu Hefe,35, Dong Yunmel, 27, Yang Wanwan,29, Wu Yuejun,46, Yang Qin, 29, Fang Yue,36, Sun Jie, 36, Yao Wenming,40 and Li Zhongju,31.
”Ten Chinese nationals arrested in a drug bust in Newlands, Harare, have appeared for initial remand at the Harare Magistrates’ court,” the NPAZ said.
”The police pounced on the accused persons following a tip-off about all-night parties at 60 Knightsbridge Road, Newlands. The accused persons were caught sniffing cocaine using a golden playing card.”
The prosecution said police recovered cocaine, Benzodiazepam and Methamphetamine, valued at US$1 060.
The NPAZ vowed to have the Chinese convicted and sentenced.
”Drug use fuels crime and destroys lives. The justice system will deal firmly with those found peddling and abusing dangerous substances in Zimbabwe,” the prosecution said.
Zimbabwe has seen an influx of Chinese nationals who are doing business in several sectors that include mining, construction, retail and farming among many other sectors.
Beijing and Harare have strong bilateral relations, however ordinary Zimbabweans have for long accused the Chinese of engaging in illegal criminal dealings.