The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has dismissed claims of political or religious motives in the summoning of Archbishop Alick Banda, saying the move is a routine investigative procedure.
DEC Director General Nason Banda has confirmed that the Archbishop has been summoned in connection with motor vehicles belonging to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) that were seized during investigations into illegally disposed government assets and later found in his possession.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka Thursday, Mr Banda says a call-out is a professional and private process meant to allow a named individual to explain their side of the story before conclusions are drawn.
He has stressed that the matter has nothing to do with politics or the Catholic Church, stating that the call-out was issued to a name appearing in official records and not to a religious office.
Mr. Banda says the vehicles are currently in DEC custody and can be physically verified, adding that many cases are often resolved once explanations are given.
He has emphasised that the Commission is guided by natural justice and law, and that the Archbishop is expected to appear on Monday 5th January 2026 to assist with investigations so the matter can be concluded.
Mr. Banda has further stated that the summon was not even supposed to be shared on social media adding that he hopes the Archbishop will appear alone and quietly without bringing people that are irrelevant to the case.
Meanwhile the Commission says it had last year siezed the highest number of drugs and cannabis in the history of the country highlighting the progress being made in the fight against drug trafficking.
By Prudence Chota
