DEC Arrests Zambian Musician, Seizes 111kg of Cannabis at Kazungula
A truck transporting sulphur from South Africa to Zambia has become part of a major drug trafficking investigation after officers allegedly discovered more than 111 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in its cargo.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) says the discovery was made during routine checks at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post in Southern Province.
The operation has since led to arrests in Lusaka, Southern and Muchinga provinces, including that of a Zambian musician.
Musician Arrested in Lusaka
In Lusaka, the DEC has apprehended 28 year old Edward Chanda, a resident of Meanwood who performs under the stage name Chanda.
The musician was arrested in connection with the alleged trafficking of 30.3 grammes of dry, loose cannabis.
In a separate operation, officers arrested 22 year old Eliam Masepa Chisale, also known as Ghost, in Lusaka District.
According to the Commission, Chisale was found with 71 sachets of crystal methamphetamine, 11 rocks of cocaine and 10 sachets of high grade cannabis.
The DEC describes him as a suspected drug trafficking kingpin who had been on its watch list for some time.
Cannabis Discovered Among Sulphur Cargo
The major seizure in Southern Province involved a Scania truck bearing registration number DR 80ZD GP and two trailers.
The vehicle was transporting sulphur from South Africa to the Copperbelt when officers stopped it for routine checks at Kazungula.
A physical search allegedly uncovered 25 bundles of suspected high grade cannabis weighing 111.4 kilogrammes.
The drugs were reportedly packed in white plastic sacks and concealed among the bags of sulphur.
The DEC says the driver, 46 year old Zambian national Cletus Mulenga, allegedly attempted to bribe officers with K10,000 to prevent them from searching the vehicle.
The money was seized and is expected to be presented in court as evidence.
Investigation Leads to Chibombo
The investigation did not end at the border.
The Commission says officers conducted a controlled delivery operation that led them to a truck yard in the Ten Miles area of Chibombo District in Central Province.
There, they apprehended 42 year old Tanzanian national Kisibo Osman Alphan, who was allegedly receiving the drugs.
The Scania truck and its two trailers were also seized.
More Arrests in Muchinga Province
In Mpika District, Muchinga Province, DEC officers working with the Zambia Police Service arrested 33 year old Roydah Mugala during an intelligence led operation at Mutwe Wa Ng’ombe Gold Mine.
The Commission says Mugala was found with 99 rocks and portions of powdered cocaine, 117 sachets of high grade cannabis weighing 1.2 kilogrammes, 166 tablets of Benzhexol, commonly known as Artane, and nine bottles of Benylin with Codeine.
Officers also seized K6,657 in cash, which the DEC suspects may have been proceeds from drug sales.
The Commission says all the suspects are in lawful custody and will be subjected to court proceedings.
It has urged members of the public to report information that could help identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, while warning against interfering with law enforcement operations.
