Police in Zimbabwe say they have seized about four tons of marijuana aboard a truck driven from the neighboring country of Malawi, their biggest haul on record.

Police officials said Wednesday the truck was intercepted when it was being suspiciously "escorted" by a minibus and a taxi to a parking lot in western Harare that appeared ready to ferry away some of the marijuana leaf packed in 90 kilogram (220 pound) hessian bags normally used for tobacco. The driver of the Malawi registered truck, destined also for South Africa, was arrested but his suspected accomplices ran off, evading capture Tuesday.

The marijuana or hemp plant grows wild in southern Africa. The "Malawi Gold" suited to that country's climate and grown in illegal plantations there, is sought after by users across the region.