Many nabbed, as Drug Enforcement Commission tackles narcotic traders

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has expressed concern over the surge in hard drug cases within the communities.

DEC Public Relations Officer, Mwenge Mulenga, highlighted the recent special operation in the infamous Zambia Compound of Mazabuka District in Southern Province.

Mulenga in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, disclosed that a female suspect was apprehended with a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

He said the suspect, identified as Anangela Chonaula Mweene, aged 33, a resident of Zambia Compound, was taken into custody after a thorough search at her residence revealed 84 sachets containing suspected narcotics.

“The operation, carried out by a dedicated team of DEC officers in collaboration with members of the Community Crime Prevention Unit, was executed with precision and determination,” Mulenga stated.

He said following the apprehension, the seized substances were promptly forwarded to the Food and Drugs Laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka for analysis.

Mulenga disclosed that it was confirmed to be 5.157 grams of Cocaine, meticulously packed in assorted ready-for-sale paper cuttings.

“Mweene has been officially charged with trafficking in narcotic substances, a violation of Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia,” he stated.

Mulenga said the suspect was currently in police custody and expected to appear in court in due course.

He added that the Commission also detained a juvenile from Makalanguzu village in Kazungula District on charges of trafficking 21 sachets of Cocaine, totaling 1.26 grams.

Mulenga said this development raised concerns not only about the geographic area but also about the age of individuals involved in such illicit drug activities.

“In Luapula Province, the Commission conducted successful operations that resulted in the apprehension of five individuals and the significant seizure of 507 kilograms in Chiyengi and Milenge Districts,” he stated .

Mulenga identified those arrested as John Kaluba, aged 30, from Kamasansa village, John Kapaya, aged 42 from Shimaria village, Willson Chisha, aged 54, from Mupatikisha village and Benson Chipampe, aged 67.

He stated that the above individuals had been jointly charged with Jack Mulenga, aged 31, both hailing from Shimaringa Village in Chiengi district.

He said out of the total seized amount, 21.3 kilograms were discovered abandoned in Milenge District.

“In Manyinga District of North Western Province, DEC apprehended Simon Mutondo, aged 38, from Chifuwe area, for unlawful cultivation of 12kg of fresh cannabis plants and Rodgers Makoveli, aged 36, from the same area, for trafficking 623 grams of suspected loose cannabis,” Mulenga added.

He said in Lusaka, DEC officers arrested two male individuals at East Park Mall for trafficking suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 30grams and seized a motor vehicle for further investigation.

Mulenga indicated that the suspects identified as Muhammad Yasin, a 26-year-old Somali national from Makeni Konga and Tinozi Mwanza, aged 28, from Lusaka West, Garden Park area awaits court appearance.

“The Commission earnestly appeals to our community to recognize and address the profound dangers posed by the infiltration of hard drugs,” he advised.

Mulenga called for collective efforts to safeguard the youth from health risks, cognitive impairment, social isolation and legal consequences.

He added that there was need to safeguard them from financial strain, disrupted educational goals, mental health challenges and the potential for a cycle of addiction, thereby fostering a safer and healthier community for all.

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