The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Luapula Province has arrested three small scale farmers for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 1.23 tonnes contrary to Cap 96 of the Laws of Zambia.
The three were apprehended during a special operation conducted in Chienge District of Luapula Province on January 24th, 2021 following concerns raised by local residents of rampant cultivation and trafficking of cannabis in the area especially along the border between Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement issued to the media yesterday by DEC Public Relations Officer, Theresa Katongo said those arrested and jointly charged include Paul Kabwe, male aged 22 of Kazembe Wamabanga village, John Makayi, male aged 45 of Mukosa Village and Samson Mumbi, male aged 48 of the same village in Chienge.
Police officer keeps vigil at Chibolya drug dealers as they wait to be screened at Lusaka s Edwin Emboela Stadium on September 29, 2017. Picture by - Tenson Mkhala
Trafficking of illicit substances erodes local economies through declining tourism revenues. Conversely, revenue from wildlife and narco-trafficking does not return to the community. Illicit trafficking degrades the local work-force and thus local businesses. Trafficking also Increases crime and violence, which poses a risk to community members and discourages outside financial investment. while a smaller percentage of the community may be participating in drug trafficking and drug use, the economic effects trickle into the lives of every community member.
The Drug Enforcement Commission in Lusaka has arrested Seven (7) people who include three (3) University of Zambia (UNZA) third year students for trafficking in over 30 grams of cannabis contrary to Cap 96 of the Laws of Zambia.
The three (3) UNZA students identified as Amadu Bah Mwansa, 22, Siddy Gadjo Mwansa, 22, and Kitonzui Mesala, 24, were found with 12.5 grams of special cannabis and one (1) suspected sachet of heroin.
Others arrested include Neyma Camara, 19, Robinson Chibwe, aged 28, Cloud Kabwe, a bus conductor and Mathias Banda, a bus driver for trafficking in 21.5 grams of cannabis. The four while driving a motor vehicle registration number ALD 5604 Pajero IO, were also picked from UNZA and are believed to be major suppliers of drugs in the area.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Mufulira district on the Copperbelt province has successfully rehabilitated 42 members of the “70 Babies” gang that terrorised residents of Kankoyo in 2017.
DEC Officer, Precious Sakala disclosed that the members of the gang have been undergoing counselling through the DEC office in Mufulira since 2017.
Ms. Sakala said the rehabilitation programme has led to the dissolution of the gang and successful reformation of its members to become responsible citizens in society.
In an interview with ZANIS, Ms. Sakala said five former gang stars were successfully enrolled at Kitwe Vocational Training College (KVTC) to pursue different trades, adding that three of them completed their studies in December 2020, while two will complete this year.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) have signed a bilateral Memorandum of Standing (MoU) aimed at strengthening the collaboration in combating and preventing tax crimes and drug trafficking.
The MoU is also targeted at addressing issues of money laundering and other offences related to the importation and exportation of prohibited or controlled goods or substances and cash.
And Attorney General Likando Kalaluka has underscored the need for the country to have effective mechanisms, collaboration and coordination in the fight against tax crimes, money laundering and other vices.
Mr. Kalaluka explained that Zambia is a member of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) which has set requirements for countries to have a well-coordinated effort in money laundering at the highest level of their operations.