DEC Nabs Truck Drivers for Trafficking in Codeine and Cannabis in Kazungula, Four Others Arrested in Mkushi for Various Drug Offences

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has embarked on an accelerated countrywide crusade aimed at combatting drug trafficking activities across Zambia. The exercise is in line with the provisions and aspirations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime.

At Kazungula One-Stop-Border Post in Kazungula District of Southern Province, the DEC executed an intelligence – led operation leading to the arrest of Given Sichilindi, male aged 49, a Truck Driver residing in Kabwata, Lusaka. Sichilindi was apprehended for trafficking in 20 boxes containing 960 bottles of Benylin with Codeine. The illicit consignment was being transported from South Africa to Zambia. The suspect was driving a truck bearing Registration Number BAR 9408, and trailer BAR 9410, where officers discovered the concealed drugs during a physical inspection.

In another operation in Kazungula District, DEC officers intercepted Jeff Zulu, male aged 45, a Truck Driver from Kamuchanga in Mufulira. Mr. Zulu was apprehended for trafficking in 20.6 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis was concealed in a bag found on top of the driver’s bed, located in the cabin of a truck bearing Registration Numbers BAR 9408 for the Horse, and BAR 9410 for the trailer, which Mr. Zulu was driving. The subject truck was transiting into Zambia from South Africa.

In another operation conducted in Kazungula District, the DEC apprehended Mazuba Hamatanga, male aged 32, a Truck Driver from Lusaka West. Mr. Hamatanga was apprehended for trafficking in 19 boxes (912 bottles) of Benylin with Codeine. The illegal substances were concealed in a toolbox inside the truck bearing Registration Number BAZ 3834 ZM for the Horse, as well as BAC 267 and BAC 268T for trailers which Mr. Hamatanga was driving.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Mkushi District in Central Province, DEC officers arrested four (4) individuals for the illegal cultivation and trafficking of cannabis. The arrests were made along the Luano River, where fresh cannabis weighing 5.8 kilogrammes was seized.

The suspects are identified as:

• Chaka Steven Jr., male, aged 20, from Mafinge area,
• Chaka Steven Sr., male aged 45, from Nkhulumashiba area, and
• Emeldah Tonyo, female aged 46, also from Nkhulumashiba area.

Additionally, Saviour Simwinga, male aged 25 from Dam area in Mkushi, was arrested for trafficking in 51 pre-packs of cannabis weighing 4.2 kilogrammes. The illegal substances were found concealed in a bag, inside Simwinga’s house.

The Drug Enforcement Commission remains steadfast in its mission to protect the public from the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse. We urge members of the general public to continue reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest DEC offices.

Issued by:

Allan Tamba

Public Relations Officer, Drug Enforcement Commission