By Joseph Mapalo Kamanga
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intercepted large quantities of illegal drugs and arrested several suspects across three provinces in a series of intelligence-led operations. The crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt local and international drug trafficking networks operating within the country.
In Southern Province, officers at the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post acted on a tip regarding a truck traveling from South Africa to Solwezi. The vehicle, which was transporting ammonium nitrate, was intercepted by law enforcement. A thorough search revealed five bundles of high-grade cannabis split into 100 prepacked parcels, weighing a total of 108 kilograms. The driver, identified as 45-year-old Patrick Mwanza from Lusaka’s Linda Compound, was taken into custody.
Meanwhile, coordinated operations in Luapula Province targeted drug activities in Nchelenge, Mansa, and Samfya districts. These raids led to the arrest of ten individuals for trafficking 52.6 kilograms of dry loose cannabis. Officers also discovered and seized an additional 15.2 kilograms of abandoned dry cannabis plants during the sweep.
In Copperbelt Province, DEC officers in Ndola arrested a Somali national named Shuhkri Alli in Northrise Township. She was found in possession of 22 bundles of Khat Mirra. Along with the drugs, officers confiscated 200 US Dollars and 1,400 Zambian Kwacha, which are suspected to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
Following these successful operations, DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere issued a strong warning to drug traffickers. She stated that the commission will maintain its aggressive, intelligence-driven operations across the nation to ensure offenders face prosecution. The DEC also urged communities to continue reporting suspicious activities to help protect the public from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
©️Zambia Reports, 17th May 2026