A MALAWIAN truck driver allegedly fled Nyamapanda border post after authorities discovered 31 bags of dagga with a street value of nearly $150 000 stashed in his vehicle together with three bales of second-hand clothes.
Harrison Mulauzi of Lilongwe, who was driving a Dalisto Logistics truck (Reg No. MC 4373) transporting barley tobacco stalks from his home country to Zimbabwe, fled from the scene after realising that the search had unearthed the illicit drug and other smuggled goods.
Police were now on the manhunt for the suspect.
Although Mashonaland East police spokesperson Norbert Muzondo and his assistant Tendai Mwanza were not reachable yesterday, a reliable source said law enforcement agents were also investigating another Malawian, Demobry Chirombo (26).
Chirombo was in the truck, but allegedly claimed he was a passenger on his way to South Africa.
It is reported that on April 25, Mulauzi, who was carrying barley tobacco stalks from Malawi to Zimbabwe, arrived at the border and the goods were cleared by an agent.
The truck was, however, considered as subject to search by Zimra officials and Mulauzi then parked the vehicle at the searching bay. After parking, it is alleged Mulauzi disembarked and left for good.
The search was conducted the following day in the presence of Chirombo, who later revealed that he was only a passenger. The recovered dagga weighed 1 494kg valued at $149 400.
