DEC Apprehends Suspect for Multi-Million Kwacha Money Laundering Scheme; Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Continues Across Zambia
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) operating in the Western Province has apprehended Nkonde Pupwe, a 38-year-old male resident of Mongu, for alleged involvement in multiple money laundering offences.
According to Allan Tamba, the Public Relations Officer of the Drug Enforcement Commission, Mr. Pupwe stands accused of theft by servant, amounting to a staggering total of K4,793,000.00.
Details of the charges indicate that Mr. Pupwe, who served as a Branch Coordinator at a prominent bank’s Senanga Branch, is alleged to have pilfered K4,600,000.00 from the bank’s vault and an additional K193,000.00 from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) between January 1st, 2021, and January 25th, 2024.
The stolen funds were purportedly laundered, leading to his arrest and subsequent charging under Sections 272 and 278 of the Penal Code Act Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia, and Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No 14 of 2001.
In a separate operation conducted in Zimba District, two individuals, identified as Chota Siachola (35 years old, male) and Revia Siachibi (36 years old, female), were apprehended for illegal cultivation of cannabis. The duo faces charges related to the unlawful cultivation of 1.5 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants.
Additionally, DEC officers discovered and destroyed an abandoned field containing 3.5 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants, launching a manhunt for the individuals connected to the site.
Further crackdowns were reported in Ndola, where Martin Mulenga (35 years old, male) was arrested for his alleged involvement in drug distribution activities.
Mr. Mulenga, a resident of Chipulukusu Compound, was found in possession of 1.053 kilograms of high-grade cannabis and four bottles of Benyline with Codeine. The suspect is currently detained pending his court appearance.
In a separate incident in Lusaka, DEC officers arrested Lyna Shaba (43 years old, female) for trafficking in 151 sachets of high-grade cannabis.
Allan Tamba, the DEC’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and financial crimes.
He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, underscoring the crucial role of public support in the fight against illicit activities.
