Multiple Arrests for Drug Trafficking
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has expressed deep concern over the escalating cases of hard drug-related offenses within communities, citing a recent special operation in the Zambia Compound of Mazabuka in the Southern Province as a glaring example.
During this operation, a significant quantity of illegal narcotics was seized, highlighting the severity of the issue.
DEC Public Relations Officer, Mulenga, reported that the operation in Zambia Compound led to the apprehension of a 33-year-old suspect, Anangela Chonaula Mweene, who was found in possession of 84 sachets containing suspected narcotics.
Subsequent analysis at the Food and Drugs Laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka confirmed the substances to be 5.157 grams of cocaine, meticulously packaged for sale.
Anangela Chonaula Mweene has been charged with trafficking in narcotic substances, a violation of Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia. The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court in due course.
In other operations within the Southern Province, the DEC detained a juvenile in Kazungula District on charges of trafficking 21 sachets of cocaine, while in Luapula Province, five individuals were arrested, and 507 kilograms of fresh cannabis were seized in Chiyengi and Milenge Districts.
The arrested individuals in Luapula Province include John Kaluba, John Kapaya, Willson Chisha, Benson Chipampe, and Jack Mulenga, with 21.3 kilograms of cannabis discovered abandoned in Milenge District.
In North Western Province, the DEC apprehended individuals for unlawful cultivation and trafficking of cannabis plants. Simon Mutondo was arrested for cultivating 12kg of fresh cannabis plants, and Rodgers Makoveli was arrested for trafficking 623 grams of suspected loose cannabis.
In Lusaka, DEC officers arrested two individuals at East Park Mall for trafficking suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 30 grams. The suspects were identified as Muhammad Yasin, a 26-year-old Somali national, and Tinozi Mwanza, aged 28.
The DEC emphasized the need for collective efforts within the community to address the dangers posed by hard drugs, including health risks, cognitive impairment, legal consequences, and the potential for addiction.
The Commission urged the public to work together to safeguard the youth and foster a safer and healthier community for all.
