PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drug Seizure and Arrests at Chirundu Border Post

Lusaka, Saturday 20th January, 2024.

In the ongoing efforts to diminish the influx of illicit substances, the Anti-Drugs Operation Division of the Drug Enforcement Commission in Lusaka province has recorded a significant seizure at the Chirundu border post, including 59.19 kilograms of high-grade cannabis, 96 bottles of Benylin with codeine, and a luxury coach services bus that was used in committing the offence.
Seven individuals were subsequently apprehended and formally charged with the trafficking and importation of narcotic and psychotropic substances, contrary to Act 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.
Details of the offence reveal that, on Saturday, 13th January 2024, during a routine operational search of all transiting vehicles at the Chirundu Border Post, a specified bus en route to Tanzania from Zimbabwe was discovered carrying 59.19 kilograms of high-grade cannabis. The illicit substance was tactfully concealed within various packages, including computer CPUs.

Consequently, five bus crew members, along with one passenger, all of Tanzanian nationality, were detained and identified as follows:

 Shelimo Haji Nassoro, male aged 33, a bus conductor,
 Mushi Shabani Abdillahi, male aged 39, a bus host,
 Ramadhani Fatma Rashid, a female aged 41, a business lady and passenger on the bus,
 Kibanga Issa Hokelai Raphael, male aged 46, a driver,
 Kubo Salimu Ally, male aged 33, another driver of the named bus,
 Shemahonge Gerald Isaack, male, aged 26, a mechanic.

The six individuals have been jointly charged and were initially set to appear in court on Friday, 19th January 2024. However, due to the absence of a Swahili interpreter, the plea could not proceed, leading to rescheduling the matter for the following week.

Meanwhile, the Commission apprehended and charged Muyambango Cleopatra, a 44-year-old Zambian businesswoman, under similar circumstances for trafficking 19.2 grams of Benylin with Codeine. The illicit substance was intended for Lusaka, Zambia, from South Africa through a designated bus operator.

Ms Cleopatra cooperated with law enforcement officers, acknowledging the charges, resulting in her conviction and a 12-month sentence of simple imprisonment earlier in the week.

The Commission has underscored its commitment to enhance cross-border operations and security checks, ensuring the safeguarding of Zambia’s borders against potential infiltration. We remain steadfast in thwarting any attempts to exploit our strategic location, which is crucial in facilitating trade and economic activities in the southern region.

Issued by:
Mwenge Mulenga
Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission
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