By 
The courtroom fell silent as Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officer, Jeremiah Banda, took the stand, detailing how rising musician Jackson Chikonde, popularly known as Jamaika Zed, was caught in possession of illegal substances.
Chikonde, a 20-year-old student at Evelyn Hone College, stood before Lusaka Magistrate Chrispine Hampungani, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking charges.
Despite his denial, Banda’s testimony painted a different picture, one of surveillance, deception, and a dramatic arrest.
According to Banda, DEC operatives received intelligence on January 24, 2025, about an individual dealing in drugs in Fairview, Lusaka. And An undercover officer established contact with the suspect, who claimed he could supply cannabis and bottles of Benylin with codeine.
Acting on this tip, Banda and his colleague, Percy Milambo, set up surveillance near Nkwazi, Fairview.
Around 13:00 hours, they waited outside the suspect’s residence, maintaining contact through their undercover agent.
“The suspect told our officer that he was in town purchasing the drugs and would return shortly using a public bus,” Banda testified.
As the officers monitored Civic Centre Bus Stop, a man matching the description arrived, carrying a black plastic bag. As the team closed in, the suspect immediately recognized Banda.
“Oh my God, Bwana Banda…” Chikonde reportedly said, realizing his fate.
Read More: Court orders trial-within-a-trial in alleged witchcraft plot against President Hichilema
Upon searching the bag, officers discovered sachets of marijuana and bottles of Benylin with codeine cough syrup. Chikonde was immediately taken into custody.
This was not Chikonde’s first brush with the law.
Banda recalled a previous drug-related arrest in 2024, where the musician had promised to reform.
“I reminded him of our last conversation when he assured me he would change and focus on his studies,” Banda stated.
The team then proceeded to Chikonde’s residence, where his girlfriend was present. Officers searched his belongings and emptied the plastic bag had 43 sachets of suspected cannabis.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments