Multiple Arrests for Drug-Related Offences in Countrywide Operation

In Kazungula District, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has apprehended a Tanzanian truck driver identified as Kairo John Mwangoge male aged 51, for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 88.8 kilograms which was concealed in thirteen (13) bundles hidden under the trailer of the truck. The interception took place at Kazungula One-Stop Border Post while the truck was enroute from South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Moving on to Lusaka Province, DEC has arrested a Tanzanian national identified as Bundala Meshack Francis male, aged 40, a resident of  Makeni area, for trafficking in thirteen (13) pre-packs of cannabis and three (3) pre-packs of suspected narcotics.

The seized drugs from the operation were taken to Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Drug and Food Laboratory for analysis where the suspected drugs were confirmed to be thirteen (13) pre-packs of high-grade cannabis weighing 11.4 kilograms and three (3) pre-packs of crystal Methamphetamine with a total weight of 761 grams.

Meanwhile, in the Copperbelt Province, two (2) female Zambians of Somalian origin identified as Fatima Muhamed aged 54 and Rhoda Yussuf aged 36, were apprehended for trafficking in eight (8) bundles of Khat Mirra weighing over three (3) kilograms. The illicit drugs were being sold in pre-packs from their residence in Ndola’s Ndeke Township.

In a separate operation in Luanshya district, Christopher Simutenda male aged 62 and Loness Tembo female aged 59, both residents of Kafubu Block 2 Farming Block, were nabbed for trafficking in over five (5) kilograms of loose cannabis concealed in a sack.

In North-Western Province, DEC in Solwezi has arrested two (2) male suspects for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants. The suspects involved in this illegal activity have been identified as Kendrick Chifwaya Male aged 21 arrested for unlawful cultivation of 315 Kilograms. And Pethias Chifwaya Male aged 29 arrested for unlawful cultivation of 238 Kilograms of fresh cannabis plants. The duo is from Zangamenu area in Solwezi district.

Lastly, in Muchinga Province, DEC has apprehended Evans Chanda male aged 42 of Chalabesa village in Kanchibiya District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 67 kilograms.

These arrests serve as a warning to those who engage in various illegal drug activities that their actions will not go unpunished. DEC remains resolute in its mission to safeguard communities from the devastating effects of trafficking and drug abuse, working tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and promote a safer, drug-free Zambia.

The Commission encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking, as collective efforts are essential in the fight against this pervasive threat to society.

𝐼𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦:

Theresa Mawere

Assistant Public Relations Officer

𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧