The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing and controlling illicit cultivation, production, trafficking, abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the country.
DEC Public Relations Manager, Allan Tamba, says the commission also has a mandate to combat money laundering activities under national law, adding that its operations are guided by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Number 35 of 2021 and the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act Number 14 of 2001, as amended by Act Number 44 of 2010.
Speaking in an interview with the media in Lusaka, Mr Tamba explained that DEC’s mandate is centered on three main focus areas which are drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, and money laundering prevention.
Mr Tamba explained that drug supply reduction activities include investigations and prosecutions aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and apprehending offenders.
He said the agency’s drug demand reduction initiatives focus on prevention, education, and counselling for individuals at risk of drug abuse.
Money laundering prevention, he added, is another key aspect of DEC’s work, ensuring that financial crimes associated with narcotics and other illicit activities are detected and prosecuted.
And, Mr Tamba noted that DEC collaborates closely with both local and international agencies to tackle transnational crimes, particularly along common borders.
He said recent operations have recorded significant seizures of illegal drugs and arrests linked to transnational trafficking, stating that the results are attributed to strengthened intelligence networks and inter-agency partnerships.
Mr Tamba further said the commission has intensified drug awareness and prevention activities along border areas to protect communities from the dangers associated with narcotics.
Mr Tamba urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or money laundering.
“Crime does not pay, the law enforcement agencies are working around the globe to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“We won’t relent in our mandate and will ensure that we promote public safety, national security and development in order to ensure that future generations are insulated against the negative effects committed,” Mr Tamba stressed.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities directly to DEC or any other law enforcement agency operating in the country.
Mr Tamba noted that through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public, Zambia can effectively prevent, detect, and combat criminal activities related to drugs and financial crimes.
