Drug Enforcement Commission Seizes Codeine at Kazungula Border and Intercepts Narcotics in Various Incidents

The Drug Enforcement Commission in Southern Province has successfully seized an illegal consignment of 110 boxes containing 5,280 bottles of Benylin with Codeine cough syrup at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post.

Hussein Khan, the Public Relations Officer, issued a statement detailing the operation. The illicit cargo was discovered during a search of a Scania truck with registration number AJF 3160. The truck was en route from South Africa and was driven by Chrispine Liwanga, aged 46.

Liwanga has been charged with Trafficking and Illegal Importation of Narcotic Drugs, in violation of sections 15 and 16 respectively, of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia. Both the truck and the illegal cargo have been seized.

In a separate incident, the Commission in Livingstone intercepted a bus traveling from South Africa. A subsequent search of the bus revealed 5.5 kilograms of cannabis. A male suspect, identified as Isaac Hansafu aged 27, was apprehended, leading officers to Lusaka. Further investigations resulted in the arrest of a female suspect, Niza Malama aged 23, in connection with the contraband.

Additionally, in Eastern Province, the Commission arrested Bob Musukwa aged 23 for trafficking in 514 sachets of cocaine weighing 30.84 grams and Mike Phiri aged 29 for trafficking in 8.7 kilograms of loose cannabis. Both suspects were intercepted on public passenger buses traveling from Lusaka to Chipata.

The detained suspects are awaiting their court appearances.

Furthermore, John Mwale, a traditional healer aged 32, who was arrested for trafficking in 34 sachets of heroin weighing 2 grams and 11.9 grams of loose cannabis, appeared in court and was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently.

The Commission is deeply concerned about the recent surge in the trafficking of illicit drugs in the country and wishes to inform the public that its officers are diligently monitoring identified trafficking routes, bus terminals, and border points. They remain vigilant in their efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.

The Commission also issues a stern warning to all individuals engaging in illicit drug trafficking to cease their activities immediately, as they will face the full force of the law.