DEC Director General Nason Banda said the intelligence-led operations have dealt a significant blow to organised cross-border drug trafficking networks.
In a controlled delivery operation from Kazungula to Lusaka, DEC officers arrested a Tanzanian national, Ahmed Muharram, aged 40, a businessman based in Lilayi. Mr Banda said the suspect had been under surveillance for some time.
He said a truck linked to the operation was intercepted, leading to the recovery of 221.2 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis. The operation was later extended to the suspect’s residence in Lilayi, where officers recovered an additional 1,159.6 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis, bringing the total seizure to 1,380.8 kilogrammes.
Mr Banda said a Zambian national, Lishomwa Muyunda, aged 49, was also arrested and is believed to be an accomplice in the organised trafficking scheme. A Toyota Prado motor vehicle suspected to have been used in the commission of the offences was seized.
In a separate operation in Lusaka, DEC officers arrested Gibson Mwaka, 29, of Kamwala, after discovering high-grade cannabis concealed in the vehicle he was driving. In the same operation, Oscar Sikaonga, 40, of John Howard Compound, was arrested after six bundles of high-grade cannabis were found hidden in a taxi.
DEC officers also arrested Nsanga Benjamin Bowa, 52, of Meanwood Kwamwena in Lusaka, for allegedly trafficking 55 boxes of Benylin with Codeine.
Meanwhile, in Chirundu District, DEC officers intercepted two Burundian nationals travelling in separate vehicles en route to Burundi. The suspects, identified as Juma Matumaine, 42, and Jean Claude Hantungimana, 45, were found with high-grade cannabis concealed inside a spare truck tyre.
Further searches led to the recovery of 49 one-kilogramme prepacks hidden inside gas compressors. Officers also discovered cannabis concealed in tins and buckets of paint, mixed with substances such as sugar, salt and paint in an attempt to evade detection.
Mr Banda said all suspects are currently in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
In civilised nations of America, Europe, Asia and Africa, chamba (cannabis) is not even illegal. Can we join 21st century please Zambia, what a waste of police resources for some twist!
It all boils down to education If the truth been known we must rank way down the ladder in this field
Why else would these politicians and this GRZ survive