PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rural Infiltration of Hard Drugs Raises Concerns for Drug Enforcement Commission
Lusaka, Tuesday 30th January, 2024.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) expresses concern over the surge in hard drug cases within our communities, highlighted by a recent special operation in the infamous Zambia Compound of Mazabuka in the Southern Province. During this operation, a female suspect was apprehended with a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The suspect, identified as Anangela Chonaula Mweene, aged 33, a resident of Zambia Compound, was taken into custody after a thorough search at her residence revealed 84 sachets containing suspected narcotics. The operation, carried out by a dedicated team of DEC officers in collaboration with members of the Community Crime Prevention Unit, was executed with precision and determination.
Subsequent to the apprehension, the seized substances were promptly forwarded to the Food and Drugs Laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka for analysis, where they were confirmed to be 5.157 grams of cocaine, meticulously packed in assorted ready-for-sale paper cuttings.
Anangela Chonaula Mweene has been officially charged with trafficking in narcotic substances, a violation of Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia. As the legal process unfolds, the suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court in due course.
Continuing in the Southern Province, the Commission detained a juvenile from Makalanguzu village in Kazungula District on charges of trafficking 21 sachets of cocaine, totaling 1.26 grams. This occurrence raises concerns not only about the geographic area but also about the age of individuals involved in such illicit drug activities.
In Luapula Province, the Commission conducted successful operations that resulted in the apprehension of five individuals and the significant seizure of 507 kilograms in Chiyengi and Milenge Districts.
The arrested individuals are John Kaluba, aged 30, from Kamasansa village; John Kapaya, aged 42, from Shimaria village; Willson Chisha, aged 54, from Mupatikisha village; and Benson Chipampe, aged 67, jointly charged with Jack Mulenga, aged 31, both hailing from Shimaringa Village in Chiengi district. Out of the total seized amount, 21.3 kilograms were discovered abandoned in Milenge District.
In addition, in Manyinga District of North Western Province, the DEC apprehended Simon Mutondo, aged 38, from Chifuwe area, for unlawful cultivation of 12kg of fresh cannabis plants, and Rodgers Makoveli, aged 36, from the same area, for trafficking 623 grams of suspected loose cannabis.
While in Lusaka, DEC officers from Lusaka Province arrested two male individuals at East Park Mall for trafficking suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 30grams, seizing a motor vehicle for further investigation, with the suspects identified as Muhammad Yasin, a 26-year-old Somali national from Makeni Konga, and Tinozi Mwanza, aged 28, from Lusaka West, Garden Park area.
The Commission earnestly appeals to our community to recognize and address the profound dangers posed by the infiltration of hard drugs, urging collective efforts to safeguard the youth from health risks, cognitive impairment, social isolation, legal consequences, financial strain, disrupted educational goals, mental health challenges, and the potential for a cycle of addiction, thereby fostering a safer and healthier community for all.
Issued by:
Mwenge Mulenga
Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission
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