DEC claims cross-border drug syndicate dismantled, over 700kg of cannabis seized

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has reportedly disrupted a major international drug trafficking syndicate, seizing over 700 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis being smuggled into Zambia.

The contraband is believed to have been trafficked from countries with weaker drug enforcement, seeking markets abroad.

DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, confirmed the arrests in a statement released Friday, detailing the complex operation that resulted in the capture of 13 suspects, including a Tanzanian national involved in a cross-border smuggling network operating within Southern Africa through the Chirundu border.

“Among the principal figures arrested was Mwakitalu Ayubu Bernard, 35, a Tanzanian national from Tunduma, found with 335 pre-packs of high-grade cannabis weighing over 400 kilogrammes, hidden meticulously in duvets,” Tamba said.

He added that a motorbike, registration BLA 328, was also seized.

Another suspect, Isaac Zulu, 34, of Kanyama in Lusaka, was apprehended with 102 pre-packs of cannabis weighing 118.3 kilograms.

His Toyota Blade vehicle, registration BCE 1984, was confiscated by DEC officers.

Additionally, Moono Luyando, 27, of Lilayi-Jack Compound in Lusaka, was detained with 119 pre-packs of cannabis weighing 120.5 kilograms, also concealed in duvets.

Officers seized a Canter truck (registration ABV 4663) and a Toyota Vitz (BBC 8375) used in transporting the contraband.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Jones Soko, 29, from Garden Park, Lusaka, who was found with 119 pre-packs of cannabis weighing 134 kilogrammes.

A Hiace Bus, registration ALM 7750, was impounded in the operation.

In a separate bust, three individuals were arrested for trafficking loose cannabis.

They included Bruno Mecky, 33, of Meanwood Mutumbi, who had 52 sachets weighing 109.2 grams. DEC also detained Solomon Phiri, 28, of Garden House, and James Musatwe, 24, of Kamwala South, who jointly possessed 21 sachets of cannabis weighing 35.7 grams.

All suspects are in lawful custody and face charges under Zambian law, DEC said.

Tamba reaffirmed DEC’s commitment to dismantling international drug trafficking networks and urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking.

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