In joint operation, security operatives seize over 8 tonnes of cannabis, $230,000 in counterfeit currency

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has seized more than eight tonnes of cannabis and counterfeit United States currency worth US$230,000 in a series of coordinated operations across Zambia.

DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, said the arrests followed joint operations with the Zambia Police Service, the Immigration Department, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Eastern and Central provinces.

“In one of the operations conducted in Mambwe District, Eastern Province, our officers arrested seven suspects in Muzambwe village of Mfuwe area after they were found with a total of 8.1 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants and 101 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis,” Tamba said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.

The suspects were identified as Spain Sakala (26), Julius Zulu (19), William Phiri (63), Luckson Sakala (55), Sinoya Sakala (61), Moses Banda (32), and Benson Nkhoma (33). They were allegedly cultivating and storing large quantities of cannabis destined for illicit trade.

In Nchelenge District, DEC officers apprehended a female suspect, Priscovia Kaoma (37), for trafficking 70.7 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.

“The drugs were concealed in dry banana barks and packed in polythene sacks ready for distribution,” Tamba added.

He said the arrests resulted from sustained surveillance and intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling illegal drug cultivation and trafficking networks operating in remote parts of Zambia.

In a separate operation in Mumbwa District, DEC officers arrested four suspects in connection with possession of counterfeit United States currency amounting to US$230,000.

“The suspects — Eddie Saidi Marugujo (55), Muhammad Hashimi (47), Siuluta Obson (53), and Mariam Namwinga (48) — were apprehended at a named lodge following an intelligence-led operation,” Tamba said.

He said that all the suspects were in custody and would appear before competent courts of law soon.
Tamba reiterated DEC’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies and the public to combat both drug-related and financial crimes.

“The Commission remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard communities, protect vulnerable groups, and preserve the integrity of our national economy. We continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies so that, together, we can effectively prevent, detect, and combat crime,” he said.

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