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The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intensified its crackdown on illicit drug-related activities, resulting in major seizures and arrests in Kafue District of Lusaka Province and Livingstone District in Southern Province.
In Chifwema area of Kafue, DEC officers uprooted and destroyed 44 tonnes of abandoned fresh cannabis plants, according to Commission Deputy Public Relations Officer, Theresa Mawere.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mawere said the operation also led to the arrest of two men in connection with trafficking in cannabis and possession of prohibited items.
“The first suspect arrested was identified as Webster Nyowowo, male aged 35, who was found in possession of a 20-litre bucket of compressed cannabis weighing 21.3 kilogrammes,” she said.
Officers also seized one muzzleloader firearm, one shot-gun shell, and one slaughtered game animal identified as a common duiker.
Mawere named the second suspect as James Tembo, 25, who was found in possession of a 20-litre bucket of compressed cannabis weighing 19.8 kilogrammes, along with four shot-gun shells.
In a separate operation in Livingstone, the Commission arrested two individuals for trafficking in suspected high-grade cannabis.
During the operation, officers intercepted a South African-registered truck belonging to a named international trucking company.
“A search of the truck led to the discovery of four (04) bundles of high-grade cannabis with a total weight of 50 kilogrammes packaged in 50 pre-packs,” she said.
The suspects were identified as Patrick Chifita, 40, of Luanshya Township, and Erick Kaluwa, 33, of Mandevu Compound in Lusaka.
Mawere said all the suspects had been detained in lawful custody pending court appearances.
“These arrests and seizures are a testament of the dedication of our officers and the cooperation of members of the public,” Mawere stated.
She added that the Commission would remain vigilant in its mission to disrupt drug supply chains and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety and security of communities.
Mawere further urged the public to remain alert and report any suspected drug-related activities to law enforcement agencies for swift action.
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