DEC Arrests Four in Multi-Province Drug Trafficking Operations

The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested four suspects and seized various illicit drugs in a series of intelligence-led operations across Muchinga, Southern and Lusaka provinces, as the Commission intensifies efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks.

In Muchinga Province, a joint DEC and Zambia Police investigations team conducted an operation in the Thendere area of Chilumbi village, Mafinga District, arresting 59-year-old Binwell Chanda for trafficking 18.5 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis, which had been wrapped in banana leaves and concealed in polythene bags.

In Southern Province, DEC officers from Choma District conducted an operation in Sinazongwe District, arresting 51-year-old peasant farmer Selina Mwalama of Mwanajoke Village, who was found in possession of 470 balls and loose cannabis weighing 4.6 kilogrammes. During the same operation, officers apprehended 28-year-old Lucky Siabusu, an assistant shopkeeper and relative of Mwalama, for allegedly attempting to bribe officers with K5,000 to secure her release. Siabusu has since been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigation.

In a separate operation at the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post, officers arrested 37-year-old Congolese national Modeste Wetu Kankonde for trafficking 2.3 kilogrammes of cannabis. Kankonde was intercepted while travelling from South Africa, reportedly destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

All four suspects remain in lawful custody awaiting court processes. DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said border-control operations have been intensified and warned that those engaged in trans-national drug trafficking will be arrested and prosecuted. The Commission called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected illicit drug activities through established reporting channels.