HARARE – Ten Chinese nationals arrested during a drug raid in Harare’s Newlands suburb have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court for initial remand.

Police swooped on the group at 60 Knightsbridge Road, Newlands, after receiving a tip-off about deug-fuelled all-night parties at the property.

Officers reportedly found the group sniffing cocaine using a golden playing card.

Cocaine, benzodiazepam and methamphetamine worth over US$1,060 were seized.

Huang Zhen (M, 39), Yu Hefe (M, 35), Dong Yunmel (F, 27), Yang Wanwan (F, 29), Wu Yuejun (F, 46), Yang Qin (F, 29), Fang Yue (M, 36), Sun Jie (M, 36), Yao Wenming (M, 40) and Li Zhongju (M, 31) were not asked to plead as they were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.

The National Prosecuting Authority said drug abuse fuels crime and destroys lives, vowing that the justice system would act firmly against those found peddling or consuming dangerous substances in Zimbabwe.