By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested several suspects in connection with cross-border drug trafficking and seized substantial quantities of cannabis as well as other controlled substances.
DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer, Theresa Mawere said at Victoria Falls Border Post in Livingstone, two individuals were intercepted while attempting to cross into Zambia from Zimbabwe.
Ms. Mawere explained that upon search, DEC officers discovered that the suspects had concealed high-grade cannabis wrapped on their bodies in a calculated attempt to evade detection.
“The suspects have been identified as Demian Kahale, 19, of Dambwa Central, who was found in possession of two pre-packs of suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 1.54 kilogrammes, and Peter Musongelwa, 23, of Dambwa Site, who was found with one pre-pack weighing 531 grammes,” she said.
She revealed that in a separate development at Chirundu Border Post, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officers intercepted a Volvo truck, whose driver declared the consignment as assorted fresh fruits, when in fact not.
“A subsequent physical inspection uncovered 12 bales of compressed high-grade cannabis weighing a combined total of 255 kilogrammes, which had been concealed among the fruit boxes,” Ms. Mawere revealed. “Additionally, officers discovered boxes containing 576 bottles of Benylin with Codeine.”
“During the inspection process, the suspect fled the scene and is currently at large. DEC officers were immediately alerted and managed to secure the illicit consignment in the presence of ZRA officials and the clearing agent,” she said.
Ms. Mawere revealed that the Commission has since launched a manhunt and is actively pursuing all leads to ensure the arrest of the suspect, along with any other individuals connected to the attempted trafficking.
In Mansa District, Luapula Province, the Commission has arrested one individual identified as Power Chalwe Musompo, for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 392.8 kilogrammes.
“In another operation in Nchelenge District, officers arrested Dianess Mwila, female aged 21, for trafficking in 1.18 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. Further, in Kawambwa District, Maxwell Muluba, aged 38, was nabbed for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 314.2 kilogrammes,” Ms. Mawere said.
“The cannabis was notably intercropped with cassava plants in a deliberate attempt to conceal the illegal activity from law enforcement. Additionally, the commission in Mpongwe District has arrested seven suspects for trafficking in dry loose cannabis with a combined weight of over 15 kilogrammes. The suspects were all arrested in Masaiti District.”
She stressed that all the arrested suspects are currently in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.
“The Drug Enforcement Commission wishes to reiterate its strong warning to members of the public against engaging in drug-related offences,” she warned.
