Three people have been arrested in separate intelligence-led operations conducted by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Western, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces for alleged drug trafficking offences.
In a statement, DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere said the operations resulted in the arrest of Kawisha Kumaka, 51, of Luampa District, Chishimba Nsaka, 21, of Mufulira District and Alick Chipeta, 44, of Lundazi District.
Ms Mawere said Mr Kumaka was apprehended while harvesting cannabis from his field in preparation for transportation to Mongu District, where officers seized 20 bags of dry loose cannabis weighing 734 kilogrammes, fresh cannabis plants weighing 478 kilogrammes and cannabis seeds weighing 114 kilogrammes.
She said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is a major supplier of cannabis within Mongu District and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, Ms Mawere said DEC officers in Mufulira arrested Mr Nsaka for allegedly trafficking in 15.7 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis, 10 sachets of crystal methamphetamine and 18 bottles of Benylin with Codeine.
And in Eastern Province, Ms Mawere said officers in Lundazi District arrested Mr Chipeta after discovering 32 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis concealed in a polythene sack during a search at his residence.
She said all the suspects are in lawful custody awaiting court appearances.
Ms Mawere warned individuals involved in the cultivation, distribution and trafficking of illicit drugs that the Commission will continue intensifying intelligence led operations across the country.
By Kennedy Likomba
