By Arnold Tutu
The Drug Enforcement Commission -DEC- has dismantled major transnational drug trafficking schemes, seizing more than a tonne of high-grade cannabis and arresting several suspects in coordinated operations across Southern and Lusaka provinces.
DEC Director General NASON BANDA says the intelligence-led operations represent a major blow to organised drug trafficking networks operating across borders.
Mr. BANDA says in a significant controlled delivery operation from Kazungula to Lusaka, DEC officers arrested a Tanzanian national, AHMED MUHARRAM, 40, a businessman based in Lilayi.
He says the suspect had been on the Commission’s watch list for some time.
In a statement to ZNBC news, Mr. BANDA said a truck linked to the operation was intercepted, leading to the recovery of 221.2 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis.
He said the operation was later extended to the suspect’s residence in Lilayi, where officers discovered an additional 1,159.6 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis.
This brought the total seizure to 1,380.8 kilogrammes.
The DEC Chief said a Zambian national, LISHOMWA MUYUNDA, 49, was also arrested and is believed to be an accomplice in the organised trafficking scheme.
Mr. BANDA said a Toyota Prado motor vehicle suspected to have been used in the commission of the offences has been seized.
In another 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.
And DEC officers have arrested NSANGA BENJAMIN BOWA, 52, of Meanwood Kwamwena, 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 CLUADE HANTUNGIMANA, 45, were found with high-grade cannabis concealed inside a spare truck tyre.
Further searches uncovered 49 one-kilogramme pre-packs ingeniously 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.
detection.
The DEC Director General said all suspects have been detained in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
