PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEC Strikes Big: Over 5 Tons of Illicit Drugs Seized in Nationwide Raids, Bolstering Efforts to Safeguard Communities
Lusaka, Thursday 1st February, 2024.
The Drug Enforcement Commission has achieved a substantial breakthrough, seizing more than 5 tons of cannabis and various narcotics in a meticulously executed series of targeted raids across different regions.
These intensified operations align with the Commission’s strategic goal of curbing the illegal substance supply chain, thereby reducing their availability in communities. This proactive approach addresses the surge in criminal activities and the emergence of dangerous groups, colloquially referred to as ‘Junkies,’ safeguarding communities from their adverse impacts.
DEC in North-Western Province carried out special operations in Kalumbila District, which led to the apprehension of Two (2) male individuals, namely Rodwell Kamboro, aged 44, and Lemon Kamboro, aged 78, both of Mulenga area, who have been jointly charged for unlawful cultivation of a colossal amount of fresh cannabis weighing 3.12 tonnes.
In another drug raid in North-Western Province, the Commission in Chavuma District arrested Two (2) male suspects for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis and trafficking in loose psychotropic substances amounting to a combined weight of over 44 Kilograms. The suspects have been identified as Mukoka Chisola, aged 45, and Harry Njapau, aged 27, both of the Chiyeka area.
In Northern Province, the Drug Enforcement Commission conducted several operations leading to the seizure of over one (01) Tonne of fresh Cannabis plants and over Six (06) Kilograms of loose Cannabis. From this operation, eight (8) suspects from the Kasama and Mpulungu districts have been arrested and charged, and they are scheduled to appear in court soon.
The arrested suspects have been identified as;
 Chileshe Mathews, Male aged 24, of Ntumpa village in Kasama District, was arrested for Cultivating 507 Kilogrammes of fresh Cannabis plants.
 Hildah Kasonde, female, aged 45, of Kabwibwi village in Kasama district, was arrested for Cultivating 408 Kilogrammes of fresh Cannabis plants.
 Emmanuel Mutale, male, aged 19, jointly charged with Chanda Judith, female, aged 18, of Ntumpa village in Kasama District, was arrested for unlawful Cultivation of 52 Kilogrammes of fresh Cannabis plants.
 Mwenya Ngosa, male, aged 45, jointly charged with Hezwell Ngosa, male, aged 21, of Kabwibwi village in Kasama District, was arrested for unlawful Cultivation of 6.6 Kilogrammes of fresh Cannabis plants.
 Thomas Singongo, male, aged 40, jointly charged with Anne Nkole, female, aged 37, of Muzabwera village in Mpulungu District, was arrested for Cultivating 37.6 Kilogrammes of fresh Cannabis plants.
 Chanda Florence, a Female aged 24 from Kabwibwi village in Kasama District, was arrested for trafficking in 6.2 Kilogrammes of Loose Cannabis.
 Mwamba Benjamin, a male aged 28 from Kabwibwi village in Kasama District, was arrested for trafficking 109 grams of loose cannabis.

Meanwhile, in Kapiri Mposhi District, DEC officers managed to apprehend a Somalian national identified as Jama Faysal Siciid, a male aged 58, after a tip-off from the general public for trafficking in over 5 Kilograms of fresh khat-miraa believed to have been imported from Tanzania and was meant to be sold to truck drivers in Zambia. The suspect has since been arrested and charged with trafficking in and importation of narcotic drugs contrary to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No.35 of the Laws of Zambia.
These successful operations highlight the DEC’s vital role in safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. By dismantling cultivation and trafficking, the Commission is not only bringing criminals to justice but also working to prevent the associated crime, violence, and health problems that plague communities affected by the drug trade.
The DEC’s tireless efforts are a testament to the dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Zambians. These recent successes serve as a strong message to those involved in illegal drug activities. The Commission will not rest until it has eradicated this harmful trade from Northwestern Province and beyond.
Issued by:
Mwenge Mulenga
Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission
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