Published: 4 hours ago

Fourteen Chinese nationals were arrested on Tuesday morning in Harare after they were allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

The group was apprehended at a lodge in the Newlands suburb, although police did not disclose the quantity of drugs recovered, citing ongoing investigations.

The arrests come amid growing public concern over criminal activities involving Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe. Many citizens have voiced frustration that some foreign nationals appear to enjoy "untouchable" status, allegedly shielded by the strong political ties between Harare and Beijing.

Just last month, a 52-year-old Chinese businesswoman, Sun Limin, was arrested in Harare for allegedly facilitating illegal financial transfers worth US$880,000. Authorities said she concealed the true source of the funds, which were believed to be proceeds of crime. She was picked up at her business premises in Basma, Graniteside.

Earlier in January, another Chinese national, Lin Wang, was caught attempting to smuggle rhino horns valued at US$350,000 out of Zimbabwe. The contraband was hidden inside a 13-kilogram owl sculpture made of hardened plastic.

The latest incident adds to a series of high-profile cases that have heightened scrutiny of the activities of Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe, particularly in relation to financial crimes, drug trafficking and wildlife smuggling.

Police said updates on the drug case would be provided once investigations are concluded.
- online

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