Three former ZAMMSA directors, five others arrested in Ministry of Health drug scandal (video)

Five individuals directly linked to a drug pilferage syndicate within the Ministry of Health have been arrested following investigations by the Taskforce on Theft of Government Medicines, authorities have confirmed.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, disclosed on Monday that the arrests were part of a sweeping operation involving raids on 401 facilities across the country.

A total of 75 individuals have been arrested for various offences under the Medicines and Allied Substances Act and the Penal Code.

Speaking during a joint media briefing in Lusaka, Mwiimbu said 27 of the suspects have already been convicted and fined. He revealed that five of those arrested were directly linked to the Ministry of Health, suggesting the existence of an organised syndicate within the government health system.

“Through diligent investigations and enforcement actions by the Taskforce, the State has successfully arrested some individuals behind this scam, ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of our healthcare system,” Mwiimbu said.

He added that three former directors at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA) were also arrested for deliberately breaching procurement procedures between January 2023 and December 2024.

Their actions, he said, led to wasteful expenditure and the purchase of medicines that did not meet the minimum 80 percent shelf-life requirement.

The former directors have since been released on police bond pending court appearance, with the case now in the hands of the National Prosecution Authority.

Mwiimbu emphasized that the nationwide clampdown reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy on the theft of public resources. “There will be no sacred cows in the pursuit of justice,” he said.

He also issued a warning to foreign envoys, expressing concern over the conduct of some High Commissioners and Ambassadors who have chosen to use media platforms to air grievances rather than established diplomatic channels.

“This approach undermines the spirit of mutual respect and constructive engagement.

“Matters of concern should be resolved through direct engagement with relevant authorities, in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961,” Mwiimbu stated.

Meanwhile, the minister announced that the forensic audit on drug pilferage, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, has been completed and will be handed over to security operatives.

He hinted that more arrests may follow based on the audit’s findings.

The media briefing was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe and Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima.

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