DEC bursts international cocaine syndicate, arrests multiple suspects

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has reportedly dismantled an international cocaine trafficking syndicate, leading to the arrest of a Nigerian national and two Zambian women in separate but related operations conducted in Lusaka.

DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, revealed that Olasumkanmi Kazeem, a 50-year-old Nigerian businessman residing in Meanwood Mutumbi Phase 4, was apprehended for trafficking 29 pellets of cocaine weighing 317 grams.

The drugs were concealed in cough mixture boxes and intended for local distribution.

In a related operation, two Zambian businesswomen, Ketty Musonda (50) and Susan Nkhoma (47), were arrested at a university in Lusaka while attempting to supply six pellets of cocaine weighing 66.1 grams.

On the Copperbelt Province, DEC conducted clean-up operations targeting strategic sites, resulting in the arrest of several individuals involved in drug trafficking.

Among them were Ruth Nampungwe (36) and Rosemary Namusamba Nampungwe (46), who were apprehended for trafficking 2.5 kilograms of high-grade cannabis.

In Buchi Township, two men, Shadreck Banda (19) and Happy Chisole (36), were found with 2.3 kilograms of cannabis, while two others, Puzya Silavwe (20) of Kapoto and Blessings Mwewa (26) of Chisokone Market, were also apprehended.

Silavwe was found in possession of 100 BH5 tablets, and Mwewa had nine bottles of Benylin with Codeine (100ml each).

All suspects are currently in lawful custody pending further legal proceedings.

Tamba assured the public that DEC has intensified its operations across the country, warning perpetrators that “no stone will be left unturned.”

He urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the Commission, emphasizing the collective responsibility to prevent, detect, and combat crime for the safety and resilience of communities.

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