DEC Cracks Down on Notorious Drug Lord and Traffickers in Lusaka
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Zambia has successfully dismantled a notorious drug lord’s operations, culminating in the arrest of three key suspects involved in drug trafficking in the Chibolya Compound and other notorious areas of Lusaka.
Mwenge Mulenga, the Public Relations Officer of the Drug Enforcement Commission, disclosed that the arrest followed a highly sophisticated operation conducted by the DEC’s Intelligence team in collaboration with officers from Lusaka Province.
The operation targeted a specific hotel in Lusaka’s Long Acres area, resulting in the apprehension of three individuals after a fierce pursuit involving heavy gunfire.
The suspects, identified as Bernard Nkhoma (25), Peter Zulu (24), and Felix Mutati (19), were found in possession of 365.2 grams of loose cannabis and 13.334 grams of cocaine. The charges against them are in violation of Section 15 of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act no. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.
Bernard Nkhoma, known as “Ben Blazer,” is believed to be the ringleader and a key right-hand man for other known drug lords previously on the DEC’s watchlist.
The arrest is considered a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug cartels that have been supplying narcotics in various parts of Lusaka and across the country.
The trio is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to drug trafficking.
In a separate drug raid, the DEC’s Canine Unit, in collaboration with officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), apprehended Andrew Mumba (24) at Singela Check Point along the Great East Road in Rufunsa District.
Mumba, hailing from Lundazi District, was found trafficking over 74 kilograms of loose cannabis concealed in three bags on a white container Scania truck bound for Lusaka from the Eastern Province.
Investigations suggest that the consignment was imported from neighbouring Mozambique and intended for sale in Lusaka. Mumba has been charged and will appear in court soon.
These recent operations underscore the DEC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Zambian communities from the detrimental effects of drug trafficking.
The Commission remains vigilant in its mission to dismantle drug cartels, apprehend perpetrators, and raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. The DEC encourages citizens to report suspicious activities and actively support its efforts to create a drug-free Zambia.
