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The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has apprehended two Congolese international truck drivers in Chirundu District, Southern Province, for trafficking in methamphetamines and high-grade cannabis.
DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, identified the suspects as Bruno Mbeke, 52, a resident of Tsambo, and Paul Nsonde, 50, a resident of Lubumbashi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tamba said the arrests followed routine screening operations at the Chirundu One Stop Border Post, where officers uncovered the drugs concealed in trucks belonging to Groupe Jambo.
Mbeke was found in possession of 33.2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in 33 food boxes aboard a truck with Horse Registration Number 5592 AAO4 and Trailer Registration Number 3395 AAO4.
Nsonde was found with 4.8 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis hidden in transparent plastic bags in a refrigerated truck with Horse Registration Number 8032 AT05 and Trailer Registration Number 7183 AT05.
“The drugs were allegedly sourced from a named country within the Southern African region and were intended for delivery to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Zambia,” Tamba said.
Both suspects are reportedly in lawful custody as investigations continue.
Tamba expressed concern over the growing trend of international truck drivers engaging in drug trafficking across the Southern African region.
“The Commission has strengthened its cooperation with local and international law enforcement agencies, and the long arm of the law will soon catch up with all offenders,” Tamba warned.
He also urged trucking companies operating in the region to enhance their monitoring systems to prevent drug trafficking and avoid the risk of having their trucks forfeited.
The DEC reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of Zambia’s borders.
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