By Joseph Mapalo Kamanga
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has announced the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of various illicit substances, including Pethidine, cocaine, and 135 kilograms of cannabis, following intelligence-led operations in Lusaka and the Eastern Province.
In Lusaka, Harriet Tembo, a 48-year-old resident of Kabwata Estates, was arrested in the Central Business District for trafficking 158 ampoules of Pethidine, a controlled opioid.
Authorities apprehended Tembo with 38 ampoules initially and discovered an additional 120 during a follow-up search of her residence. In a separate Lusaka-based operation, 23-year-old Kasongo Kasanga of Kabwata Flats was taken into custody for trafficking seven rocks of crack cocaine following intelligence reports linking him to the illicit drug trade.
Simultaneously, in the Eastern Province, DEC officers arrested 59-year-old Jesper Chirwa of Chipyola Compound in Lundazi for trafficking 135 kilograms of cannabis. The drugs were found concealed in two separate locations within the suspect’s home, with 90 kilograms hidden in a bedroom and 45 kilograms in a plastic sack. Preliminary investigations suggest that Chirwa, who had been on the Commission’s watch list, was sourcing the cannabis from Malawi for distribution across Lundazi and other regions of Zambia.
The DEC has confirmed that all three suspects are currently in lawful custody and are scheduled to appear in court. The Commission issued a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, reaffirming that they will continue to utilize intelligence-led operations to pursue offenders and maintain public safety.
© Zambia Reports |June 8, 2026