DEC ARRESTS SEVEN IN DRUG TRAFFICKING AND WILDLIFE CRIME OPERATIONS

DEC ARRESTS SEVEN IN DRUG TRAFFICKING AND WILDLIFE CRIME OPERATIONS

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested seven suspects and seized more than 171 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and protected wildlife trophies during intelligence-led operations conducted in Lusaka, Southern, Copperbelt and Luapula provinces.

According to DEC, two suspects were arrested in Chongwe District for trafficking in 129 kilogrammes of cannabis, while another suspect was apprehended in Monze District after officers recovered 41.3 kilogrammes of cannabis and K510 suspected to be proceeds of crime. A separate operation in Mpongwe District led to the arrest of a suspect found in possession of 1.25 kilogrammes of cannabis.

In Luapula Province, DEC officers working with the Department of Immigration arrested three suspects for unlawful possession of protected government trophies after two black lechwe carcasses were intercepted at Musaila Checkpoint in Samfya District. The vehicle used to transport the trophies was also seized.

The Commission says it will continue intensifying intelligence-driven operations to combat drug trafficking and organised crime, while urging members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by reporting suspected criminal activities.