PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two truckers nabbed for Trafficking 830 Kgs of Cannabis, Truck Forfeited and two apprehended in Separate Drug Bust.
Lusaka, Friday 15th March, 2024.
The Drug Enforcement Commission has secured a six-year imprisonment with hard labour for a truck crew involved in trafficking 830 kilograms of loose cannabis whilst securing the seizure and forfeiture of the truck horse and two trailers implicated in the illicit activity.
Particulars of the offence are that Patrick Banda, male, aged 36, a truck driver and his lorry mate, Christopher Banda, male, aged 38, both employees of a named trucking company, were found transporting the concealed loose cannabis on a trailer en route from Eastern Province to Lusaka.
The hidden cannabis, meticulously packed in 11 Polythene sacks, weighed a staggering 830 kilograms.
The duo who appeared before Hon Habwato of Nyimba magistrate were both slapped with three (3) years of imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking and an additional three (3) years imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful use of the vehicle (Truck) for transporting the illicit drugs.
Given the conviction, the truck has been seized and forfeited to the state, awaiting the 14-day appeal period given for interested parties to appeal.
Further, the Commission in Muchinga Province arrested John Sinkamba, male, aged 23 and Benson Kunda, male, aged 40, residents of Lumbatwa Village, in Kanchibiya District, for unlawful cultivation of a significant amount of fresh cannabis plants weighing over 75 kilograms.
The suspects have been charged and are awaiting their court appearances.
These convictions, arrests and seizures send a strong message that the DEC is actively working to dismantle drug trafficking networks and disrupt the supply chain.
The Commission encourages anyone with information about drug activity to come forward confidentially. Together, we can create a safer Zambia.
Issued by:
Mwenge Mulenga
Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission
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