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The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has reportedly seized over K19 million in cash and frozen several bank accounts from January to September this year.
DEC Director General, Nason Banda, said the Commission working in close collaboration with a team from all the security agencies across the country seized a total amount of K19, 360,193.93.
Banda disclosed this in Lusaka during a media briefing on Tuesday.
“In the last three quarters of the year, the Commission seized funds in and property which included land, houses, firearms, motor vehicles, as well as precious stones, with the matters still in court,” he said.
Banda also announced that during the period under review, the commission managed to secure forfeiture of over 81 properties to the state, including a total sum of K4, 603,680.01.
He said although most cases were still in court, the Commission was optimistic that with concerted efforts from all the security agencies, including joint investigations and information sharing, recovery of assets would be made.
Banda said the looted resources would be ploughed back to the treasury for all Zambians to benefit.
“In an effort to remain consistent and diligent in addressing money laundering activities and financial crimes in the country, which continue to remain high, the Commission had enhanced collaboration with various stakeholders, alongside conducting specialized training for officers,” he said.
He further announced that plans to construct the largest rehabilitation centre for all drug related cases has advanced, while commending privately owned institutions for coming on board to help bridge the gap, through conducting programmes on substance abuse.
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“I will extend my call to the various stakeholders who include parents, guardians and other line Ministries to collaborate with the Commission to help young people in society desist from drug abuse, which has become rampant,” Banda said.
He explained that the Commission had been working tirelessly to conduct awareness programmes on drug abuse, extending it to schools and higher learning institutions, however efforts from those closely linked to the abusers is also cardinal.
Banda appealed to the general public to support the Commission by providing useful information, to help address money laundering and substance abuse, and safeguard communities and the country’s financial system.
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