DEC ARRESTS SEVEN IN MAJOR CANNABIS TRAFFICKING OPERATIONS ACROSS FOUR PROVINCES.

DEC ARRESTS SEVEN IN MAJOR CANNABIS TRAFFICKING OPERATIONS ACROSS FOUR PROVINCES.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), working in collaboration with the Zambia Police Service, has arrested seven suspects in a series of coordinated operations that dismantled large-scale cannabis trafficking and cultivation activities in Muchinga, Luapula and Lusaka provinces. The arrests follow intelligence-led investigations and controlled delivery operations targeting both local and transnational drug networks.

In Muchinga Province, DEC officers based in Nakonde District, jointly operating with Zambia Police officers from Mafinga District, successfully conducted a controlled delivery in Isoka District. The operation involved closely monitoring a parcel loaded onto a Toyota Noah motor vehicle and trailing it to its final destination. The exercise resulted in the arrest of the sender and receiver, identified as Gift Kaira, aged 20, and Edony Sinkamba, aged 27, both of Isoka District. During the operation, officers seized 164 large prepacks of dry loose cannabis concealed in a polythene bag, with the drugs weighing a combined total of 96.8 kilogrammes.

In a separate operation in Luapula Province, DEC officers in Nchelenge District arrested Mwansa Mwelwa, aged 38, in connection with the offence of trafficking in dry loose cannabis weighing 10.2 kilogrammes. The suspect was apprehended following investigations that linked him to illegal drug distribution activities within the district.

Meanwhile, in Mansa District, the Commission arrested Martin Lwimba, aged 25, of Kabende Village, for unlawful cultivation of cannabis plants. Officers discovered cannabis plants with a total weight of 33.6 kilogrammes, leading to his immediate arrest and detention.

In Lusaka Province, DEC officers carried out a complex operation targeting a suspected transnational drug trafficking syndicate. The Commission formally charged and arrested Judy Thebe, aged 57, of Meanwood’s Ibex Hill area, following intelligence related to a controlled delivery of cannabis transported from South Africa. The consignment, weighing 808 grammes, was allegedly conveyed aboard a named bus destined for Lusaka via Chirundu District. Acting on the information received, DEC officers intercepted the drugs and apprehended the suspect at the Intercity Bus Terminus in Lusaka. Two other male suspects connected to the case have also been apprehended and detained to assist with ongoing investigations.

All seven suspects are currently in lawful custody and are awaiting court appearances as investigations continue. The Drug Enforcement Commission has reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and related crimes, and has called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies to support national efforts to prevent, detect and curb illicit drug activities.