Tanzanian among 20 arrested in crackdown of drug barons by DEC

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has reportedly arrested more than 20 suspected drug traffickers and seized over 120 kilogrammes of cannabis and other illicit drugs in intelligence-led operations across four provinces.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, the operations were conducted in Southern, Western, Central and Copperbelt provinces and targeted suspected drug suppliers and traffickers.

Among those arrested is a 36-year-old Tanzanian national, Acley Zacharia Haraja, who was intercepted at the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post while travelling from South Africa.

Tamba said Haraja was allegedly found with 47 pre-packs of high-grade cannabis weighing 46.6 kilogrammes, concealed in suitcases.

“In Western Province, a joint team from Mongu and Kaoma arrested eight suspects in Lukulu District and seized more than 60 kilogrammes of cannabis,” he said..

The Commission also arrested Dorothy Makope, 45, of Mwandi District for allegedly trafficking 2.8 kilogrammes of loose cannabis.

Another suspect, Innocent Munthali, 21, was allegedly found with 346 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 1.5 kilogrammes.

Tamba said in Central Province, DEC officers arrested Alex Siachibuye, 48, in Itezhi-Tezhi District for allegedly trafficking 5.1 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Four other suspects were arrested in separate operations in the Ten Miles area of Chibombo District for alleged trafficking of cannabis and methamphetamine-type stimulants.

Three suspects were also arrested in Mkushi District and jointly charged with trafficking 1.2 kilogrammes of loose cannabis.

On the Copperbelt, three men were arrested in Mpongwe District in an operation targeting high-grade cannabis trafficking.

Tamba said the Commission would continue targeting drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations.

“The DEC remains committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks through coordinated, intelligence-led operations in order to safeguard communities,” Tamba said.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies to help combat drug-related crime.

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