The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested a popular Zambian musician identified as Edward Chanda, known by his stage name Chanda, as part of a series of intelligence-led operations targeting suspected drug trafficking networks in Lusaka, Muchinga and Southern provinces.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said the operations had resulted in multiple arrests and significant seizures of suspected illicit drugs, including cannabis, crystal methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to the Commission, Chanda, 28, a resident of Meanwood in Lusaka, was apprehended in connection with the alleged trafficking of 30.3 grammes of dry loose cannabis.
In a separate operation in Lusaka District, DEC officers arrested Eliam Masepa Chisale, 22, also known as “Ghost,” who the Commission described as a suspected drug trafficking kingpin from the Obama residential area.
The Commission said Chisale, who had reportedly been on its watch list for a considerable period, was found in possession of 71 sachets of crystal methamphetamine, 11 rocks of cocaine and 10 sachets of high-grade cannabis.
The operations also extended to Southern Province, where DEC officers intercepted a Scania truck at the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post and seized 25 bundles of suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 111.4 kilogrammes.
The truck, registration number DR 80ZD GP, was hauling two trailers bearing registration numbers HP 89KB GP and HP 80 KC GP. It was reportedly transporting a consignment of sulphur from South Africa to Zambia’s Copperbelt Province when officers subjected it to a physical search.
During the search, officers discovered 25 bundles of suspected high-grade cannabis concealed in white plastic sacks and hidden among bags of sulphur.
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The truck driver, identified as Cletus Mulenga, 46, a Zambian national residing in South Africa, allegedly attempted to bribe officers with K10,000 to prevent them from conducting the search. The DEC said the money had been seized and would be presented in court as evidence.
Following further inquiries, officers conducted a controlled delivery operation that extended to a named truck yard in the Ten Miles area of Chibombo District in Central Province, where the intended recipient of the suspected drugs was allegedly located.
The operation led to the arrest of Kisibo Osman Alphan, 42, a Tanzanian national, who was allegedly apprehended while receiving the consignment. The Commission also seized the Scania truck and its two trailers.
Meanwhile, in Muchinga Province, DEC officers in Mpika District, working with the Zambia Police Service, arrested Roydah Mugala, 33, a resident of Lusaka’s Garden House area, during an intelligence-led operation at Mutwe Wa Ng’ombe Gold Mine.
According to the Commission, Mugala was found in possession of 99 rocks and portions of powdered cocaine, a bundle containing 117 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 1.2 kilogrammes, 166 tablets of Benzhexol, commonly known by the brand name Artane, and nine bottles of Benylin with Codeine.
Officers also seized K6,657 in cash, which the DEC said was reasonably suspected to be proceeds from illicit drug sales.
The Commission said all the suspects were in lawful custody and would be subjected to court proceedings.
Tamba urged members of the public to avoid involvement in drug-related activities and warned against attempts to obstruct law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.
He said the Commission would continue pursuing individuals and networks suspected of trafficking, distributing and supplying illicit drugs, regardless of their status or background.
The DEC also encouraged members of the public to provide information that could assist in identifying and dismantling drug trafficking networks.
The arrests and seizures form part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to combat suspected drug trafficking and distribution across Zambia. All allegations remain subject to the court process.
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