DEC Cracks Down on Miraa Cartel in Nakonde, Nabs Tanzanian Drug Trafficker
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has dismantled a notorious Miraa supply network in Nakonde District, Muchinga Province, and arrested four suspects in connection with the illegal trade.
The operation, carried out under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Number 35 of 2021, led to the seizure of large quantities of Miraa, also known as Khat.
Those apprehended include:
- Mereeb Siambwati (24), found with 158 bundles weighing 110 kilogrammes.
- Mercy Namumba (30), caught with 86 bundles weighing 60.2 kilogrammes.
- Gershom Sikaonga (24), found with 60 bundles weighing 40.2 kilogrammes.
- Taonga Chilembo (15), apprehended with 40 bundles weighing 30 kilogrammes.
The DEC confirmed that all suspects remain in lawful custody awaiting court appearances.
Miraa, derived from the Catha edulis plant, is a stimulant whose harmful effects include mood swings, anxiety, high blood pressure, aggressive behaviour, depression, liver damage, cerebral bleeding, and psychosis.
In a separate operation in Lusaka District, Ally Ally Eliasa, a 28-year-old Tanzanian national, was charged and arrested for trafficking 75 pre-packs of cannabis weighing 75 kilogrammes. Intelligence suggests Eliasa works for a Tanzanian cartel trafficking cannabis from South Africa into Zambia, with onward transit to Tanzania.
The DEC has warned that it is actively monitoring local and international shipments of interest and will prosecute offenders. The Commission urged the public to report any suspicious activities to help prevent and combat drug trafficking and associated money laundering crimes.
This statement was issued by Allan Tamba, Public Relations Officer, Drug Enforcement Commission.
