By 
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has launched an accelerated nationwide campaign to combat drug trafficking across Zambia.
This operation aligned with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and international conventions on combating illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
At the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post in Southern Province, DEC officers arrested Given Sichilindi, a 49-year-old truck driver from Kabwata, Lusaka.
According to DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, Sichilindi was caught trafficking 20 boxes containing 960 bottles of Benylin with Codeine, transported from South Africa to Zambia.
The drugs were concealed in a truck with registration number BAR 9408 and trailer BAR 9410.
In another operation in Kazungula District, DEC officers intercepted Jeff Zulu, a 45-year-old truck driver from Kamuchanga, Mufulira.
Zulu was found trafficking 20.6 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden in a bag on top of the driver’s bed in the cabin of his truck, also registered as BAR 9408 for the Horse and BAR 9410 for the trailer.
Additionally, in Kazungula District, DEC arrested Mazuba Hamatanga, a 32-year-old truck driver from Lusaka West, for trafficking 19 boxes (912 bottles) of Benylin with Codeine.
The illegal substances were concealed in a toolbox in a truck registered as BAZ 3834 ZM for the Horse and BAC 267 and BAC 268T for the trailers.
In a separate operation in Mkushi District, Central Province, DEC officers arrested four individuals for the illegal cultivation and trafficking of cannabis.
Along the Luano River, fresh cannabis weighing 5.8 kilograms was seized.
The suspects were identified as Chaka Steven Junior (20) from Mafinge, Chaka Steven Senior (45) from Nkhulumashiba, and Emeldah Tonyo (46) from Nkhulumashiba.
Further arrests were made when Saviour Simwinga (25) from Dam area in Mkushi was found trafficking 51 pre-packs of cannabis weighing 4.2 kilogrammes, concealed in a bag inside his house.
Tamba reiterated the DEC’s commitment to protecting the public from the dangers of drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest DEC office.
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