DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer, Theresa Mawere, said at Victoria Falls Border Post in Livingstone, officers intercepted two individuals attempting to enter Zambia from Zimbabwe. Following a thorough search, the suspects were found to have concealed high-grade cannabis on their bodies in an attempt to evade detection.
The suspects have been identified as Demian Kahale, 19, of Dambwa Central, who was found with two pre-packs of suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 1.54 kilogrammes, and Peter Musongelwa, 23, of Dambwa Site, who was found with one pre-pack weighing 531 grammes.
In a separate incident at Chirundu Border Post, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officers intercepted a Volvo truck, registration number AJF 9508 with trailer AJG 2682, driven by Patrick Mpotola, 38, of Lusaka’s Chalala area. The consignment had been declared as assorted fresh fruits, but a routine scan revealed suspicious packages.
A subsequent physical inspection uncovered 12 bales of compressed high-grade cannabis weighing a total of 255 kilogrammes, concealed among fruit boxes. Officers also discovered 576 bottles of Benylin with Codeine.
During the inspection, the suspect fled the scene and remains at large. DEC officers secured the illicit consignment in the presence of ZRA officials and the clearing agent. A manhunt has since been launched.
Meanwhile, in Mansa District, DEC officers arrested Power Chalwe Musompo, 32, for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 392.8 kilogrammes.
In Nchelenge District, Dianess Mwila, 21, was arrested for trafficking 1.18 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.
In Kawambwa District, Maxwell Muluba, 38, was apprehended for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 314.2 kilogrammes. The plants were intercropped with cassava in an attempt to conceal the activity.
Further operations in Mpongwe District led to the arrest of seven suspects for trafficking in dry loose cannabis weighing over 15 kilogrammes. The suspects, all apprehended in Masaiti District, have been identified as Leifison Chimbukuma, 42, Tanus Changwe, 28, Martin Chiseba, 26, Jeremiah Chiseba, 19, Shuko Sangwapo, 19, Darius Sakeni, 66, and a juvenile.
All suspects are currently in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
The Commission has reiterated its warning to the public against engaging in drug-related offences and urged citizens to report any suspected illegal activities to the nearest DEC office.
