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The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) says it has recorded a major milestone in its nationwide campaign against the illicit drug trade following an intelligence-driven operation code-named Kufeza.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Theresa Mawere, the Deputy Public Relations Officer at the Drug Enforcement Commission, said the initiative has disrupted large-scale cannabis cultivation and trafficking activities.
In Central Province, DEC officers conducted an operation in Lukombwelo Village, Luano District, leading to the arrest of six suspects for illegal cultivation and trafficking of cannabis.
Officers seized 1,751.6 kilogrammes of fresh cannabis plants, 4.8 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds, and 90 grammes of loose cannabis.
“The suspects arrested in this operation have been identified as Sydney Mumba, male aged 19, Chota Katapula, male aged 54, Collins Chindalo, male aged 40, Joseph Kazoka, male aged 65, Elija Phiri, male aged 43, and Danny Kamalo, male aged 39,” she said.
In Western Province, a combined team of DEC officers from Kaoma and Mongu Districts conducted a coordinated operation in Nkeyema District, resulting in the arrest of five suspects for the illegal cultivation of cannabis weighing a combined 1,478 kilogrammes.
“The suspects have been identified as Njamba Kandandu, male aged 41, Ainford Chipango, male aged 62, Likupe Chilata, male aged 33, Nyambe Ndonya, male aged 35, and Owen Malamo, male aged 37,” Mawere said.
In another operation in Senanga District, DEC officers arrested Kalengesa Kaliki, male aged 35, for trafficking 68.42 kilogrammes of pre-packed loose cannabis. Mawere said the suspect was intercepted while in possession of the drugs, which were ready for distribution.
“All suspects are in lawful custody and will appear in court soon,” she said.
Mawere added that the DEC remained committed to combating drug production, trafficking, and abuse across the country.
“The Commission continues to call upon members of the public to provide credible information that can assist in identifying and dismantling drug syndicates, in order to protect communities and promote a drug-free Zambia,” she said.
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