FOUR ARRESTED IN KAPIRI MPOSHI, CHOMA OVER COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY

FOUR ARRESTED IN KAPIRI MPOSHI, CHOMA OVER COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY

Four people have been arrested in separate operations in Kapiri Mposhi and Choma districts for allegedly engaging in counterfeit currency activities.

Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Public Relations Officer Thresa Mawere confirmed the development in a statement, revealing that two suspects were apprehended in Kapiri Mposhi after attempting to deposit fake money. The suspects have been identified as 28-year-old Patrick Mwansa and 18-year-old Bertha Sinaipa.

Ms Mawere stated that the duo was found in possession of counterfeit notes valued at over K15,000. She added that follow-up investigations led officers to a shop in Kawama Compound, where equipment suspected to have been used in the production of the fake currency was seized.

In a separate incident in Choma District, a 30-year-old man identified as Conticious Baldwin Kapopwe was apprehended after members of the public intercepted him while he allegedly attempted to deposit suspected counterfeit money at a mobile money booth in Kalukungu Market.

Ms Mawere further disclosed that Kapopwe was found with additional fake notes, bringing the total amount recovered to K8,600, all in K200 denominations bearing identical serial numbers.

Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of a fourth suspect, 59-year-old Kennedy Popota, in Makalanguzu Market, where more counterfeit notes were recovered.

Ms Mawere confirmed that all four suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.

The Commission has since urged members of the public to remain vigilant and thoroughly verify currency during transactions, warning that those found engaging in financial crimes will face the full force of the law.