The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested seven suspects and seized more than 170 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and protected wildlife trophies in operations conducted across Lusaka, Southern, Copperbelt and Luapula provinces.
In Lusaka Province, DEC officers arrested Steven Chibanse, 44, and Master Phiri, 54, in Chongwe District for allegedly trafficking in 129 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis.
Meanwhile, a joint operation by DEC officers from Choma and Mazabuka led to the arrest of 49-year-old John Siankuna Siazibulo in Monze District after officers allegedly recovered 41.3 kilogrammes of cannabis and K510 suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.
On the Copperbelt, DEC arrested 33-year-old Cosmas Mwansa of Mpongwe District for allegedly trafficking in 1.25 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis.
And in Luapula Province, DEC officers working with the Department of Immigration arrested three suspects in Samfya District for unlawful possession of two black lechwe carcasses, which were intercepted at the Musaila Checkpoint.
DEC says it will continue intensifying intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking and related crimes across the country.
By Mike Mwendachabe
