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Court Reporter
A South African man was arrested at the Harare International Airport smuggling 15 kilogrammes of ephedrine medicine into Zimbabwe without a permit. Phala Cedric Dannyboy (43) of Alien Street Turfontein, Johannesburg in South Africa appeared at the Harare magistrate court. He is facing charges of contravening the  Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act and regulations

Dannyboy appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo on allegations of bringing in the country ephedrine without an import permit from Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).

He is expected back in court on November 15. Appearing for the State Ms Sharon Mashavira alleges that on October 30, detectives received information that Dannyboy was in possession of illicit drugs.  It is the State’s case that Dannyboy arrived at the Harare Internationa Airport around 5.30pm aboard Fly Emirates flight number EK0713.

Dannyboy was stopped at the airport and detective searched his brown bag, the court heard. It is alleged 15kg of ephedrine was recovered hidden between swatches of fabric.
Preliminary test on the drugs was conducted, confirming that it was ephedrine. The exhibit was further taken to forensic science laboratory.

According to an internet drugs information website, drug.com, ephedrine is used for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma but is also used as a weight loss drug.