Harare, (New Ziana) – Two British nationals have been remanded in custody by the Harare Magistrates’ Court following their initial appearance on charges of unlawful possession and trafficking of drugs.

The duo, Tihaise Darlin Elisha (18) and Taylor Tamara Simone (20), both from Birmingham, United Kingdom is expected back in court on May 15, this year, when the court will deliver a ruling on their bail application.

Elisha and Simone were arrested on May 1, at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare by detectives from the Criminal Investigations (CID) Department’s Drugs and Narcotics Unit.

The arrest occurred shortly after they disembarked from an Ethiopian Airways flight and collected their luggage from the carousel.

According to police reports presented in court, the pair was directed to the airport’s searching bay where all four of their suitcases were examined.

Authorities discovered 124 packets of dagga concealed within the luggage with a total weight of 66.9 kilograms, with an estimated street value of US$669 000.

Prosecutors alleged the two had entered Zimbabwe with the intention of trafficking the drugs, although full details of their alleged operation are yet to be disclosed.

The court proceedings have attracted significant public interest, highlighting growing concerns about international drug smuggling networks operating through Southern African transit routes.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the contraband.

If convicted, the accused face serious penalties under Zimbabwean law, which imposes harsh sentences for drug-related offences.

New Ziana