Another big seizure at KKIA! DEC hurls in 42 million smuggled Malawian Kwacha, arrests two foreign nationals

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested two foreign nationals at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) for attempting to smuggle over 42 million Malawian Kwacha.

According to Commission Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, the suspects, one American and one Russian, were found in possession of Malawian Kwacha in denominations of 20s, 50s, 100s, 200s, 500s, 1000s, 2000s, and 5000s, concealed in eight wooden boxes.

“The contraband in question was meant to be flown from Zambia to the United States of America (USA), via a named airline,” Tamba stated in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday.

Read More: DEC arrests two in Lusaka for possession of K145,800 in counterfeit notes (See others)

Investigations revealed that MK 42,184,000 in Malawian Kwacha was concealed in the boxes, with additional notes hidden in one suitcase and one small bag.

A search extended to a hotel in Lusaka where the suspects were staying led to the discovery and seizure of various other currencies.

Other currencies found at the hotel included Maloti amounting to 102,600 with 24,300 coins from the Kingdom of Lesotho, Emalangeni amounting to 243,050 with 59,900 coins from the Kingdom of Eswatini, United States Dollars totaling 33,883, British Pounds amounting to 200, Turkish Lira totaling 820, Zimbabwean Zig amounting to 6,000, Convertible Mark currency for Bosnia totaling 30, and seven Congolese Francs.

Tamba further mentioned that other items seized included a Toyota Hilux registration Number BBC 8613, car rental documents, two iPads, two iPhones, various documents, one American passport, and three Russian passports.

“DEC is currently continuing its investigation to determine the specific charges and the fate of the suspects.

“The cooperation between the DEC, the Immigration Department, and the Bank of Zambia has been instrumental in this successful operation,” he stated.

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