By Joseph Mapalo Kamanga
THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on organized crime, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs, counterfeit banknotes, and the arrest of multiple suspects across several districts.
In Chirundu District, border security officers intercepted a Lusaka-bound public service bus traveling from Johannesburg, South Africa. A routine search of the vehicle uncovered twenty-five bundles of fresh khat, commonly known as Miraa, which were meticulously wrapped in black plastic and reinforced with masking tape. Following the discovery, the Commission initiated a controlled delivery operation that led to the successful arrest of two Somali nationals, Dirisak Muhammed, aged 23, and Ali Abdiqadir, aged 25, who reside in Lusaka’s Matero and Chaisa townships respectively.
Meanwhile, enforcement operations on the Copperbelt have severely disrupted local drug distribution networks. In Mpongwe District, officers arrested four suspects, Donald Chapa, Lawrence Ngoma, Gibson Chanda, and Kapya Kapu, for trafficking in a combined total of 5.55 kilogrammes of loose cannabis and cannabis balls. A parallel operation in Kitwe District saw the apprehension of five individuals, Alice Tembo, Dickson Mulenshi Ives, Mwaba Crowgers, Mwenya Chileshe, and George Ngowani, for trafficking in over 4.6 kilogrammes of illicit substances. In Mufulira’s Chambeshi Township, the DEC successfully apprehended a long-term target, Alex Lwalaba, for trafficking in 2.2 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis, alongside two other suspects arrested for related drug offences.
In a separate development highlighting the rise of financial crimes, the Commission in Chinsali District apprehended Donald Mugala, a 24-year-old resident of Isoka District, for being in possession of K19,000 worth of counterfeit K500 banknotes. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fake bills all carried identical serial numbers. The suspect was caught red-handed while attempting to deposit the counterfeit currency into a mobile money wallet at a booth within the Central Business District.
DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in syndicates trafficking illicit drugs and executing financial crimes, stating that law enforcement operations will continue to be intensified across the country. The Commission further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities within their neighborhoods to help combat organized crime.
©️Zambia Reports, May 23, 2026