Lusaka, 31st August 2026 – The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), working with the Zambia Police Service, has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking following a series of intelligence-led operations that have resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of illicit drugs and controlled medicines.
In one of the operations conducted at Danger Hill Mine in Mpika District of Muchinga Province, officers arrested 28-year-old Leonard Zulu of Chilenje South in Lusaka District.
According to the DEC, Zulu was apprehended after intelligence information indicated that he was allegedly supplying illicit drugs to illegal miners operating at Danger Hill Mine and residents of surrounding communities.
During the operation, officers recovered 90 sachets of crystal methamphetamine, 66 rocks of cocaine and three sachets of high-grade cannabis from the suspect.
The Commission further disclosed that Zulu is facing separate charges of theft as investigations into his activities continue.
Meanwhile, a separate intelligence-led operation in Kazungula District, Southern Province, resulted in the interception of three trucks travelling from South Africa to Zambia.
The DEC said intelligence had indicated that the trucks were allegedly transporting boxes of Benylin containing codeine. Thorough searches of the vehicles resulted in the recovery of 170 boxes, with the first truck carrying 90 boxes and the second carrying 80 boxes.
The 90 boxes were linked to 56-year-old Moses Mbao of Choma District, who has since been charged with the unlawful importation of 4,320 bottles of Benylin containing codeine.
The DEC said the boxes were concealed between containers and covered with a tent on the truck trailer.
Also arrested was 43-year-old Zimbabwean national Hebert Chibobo, who has been charged in connection with the unlawful importation of 3,840 bottles of Benylin containing codeine contained in 80 boxes.
The Commission said the boxes were hidden between bags of ammonium nitrate and covered with a tent on the truck trailer.
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The driver of a third truck linked to the matter was not present when officers conducted the search and has since gone into hiding. The DEC has launched a manhunt for the driver and is working with other law enforcement agencies operating at the border to trace and apprehend him.
Further arrests were recorded in Chirundu District, where the Commission formally charged and arrested three suspects identified as 37-year-old Malimbilimbi Daria, 26-year-old Mafuta Ginta and 31-year-old Albert Phiri.
The three are facing charges related to the trafficking of 33 balls of cannabis weighing 117.1 grams, 81 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 199.7 grams and loose cannabis weighing 910.5 grams.
In another operation in Chirundu, the DEC apprehended 26-year-old Panashe Nyikadzino, a Zimbabwean national, in connection with the alleged trafficking of 10 prepacks of high-grade cannabis.
The DEC said it remains concerned about the illegal movement and distribution of controlled medicines, particularly substances containing codeine, which are subject to regulatory controls and can be abused when diverted from legitimate medical use.
The Commission has consequently intensified surveillance and enforcement activities at strategic entry and exit points, mining areas and other locations identified as potential hubs for the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs.
The DEC has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected drug trafficking, illegal sale or diversion of controlled medicines and other related criminal activities to the nearest DEC office or through the Commission’s established reporting channels.
The latest operations underscore the continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent the illegal movement of controlled substances into and within Zambia.
The statement was issued by Allan Tamba, Public Relations Officer of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
