31/08/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฑ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐
A coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police Service at Danger Hill Mine in Mpika District of Muchinga Province has resulted in the arrest of a drug trafficker and the recovery of a substantial quantity of illicit drugs.
The suspect, identified as Leonard Zulu, male aged 28, of Chilenje South in Lusaka District of Lusaka Province, was nabbed following intelligence information indicating that he was allegedly supplying illicit drugs to illegal miners operating at Danger Hill Mine and residents of surrounding communities.
During the operation, officers recovered 90 sachets of Crystal Methamphetamine, 66 rocks of co***ne and three sachets of high-grade cannabis from the suspect.
The Commission has also established that the suspect is facing separate charges of theft, as investigations into his activities continue.
Meanwhile, during a separate operation conducted by DEC officers stationed in Kazungula District of Southern Province, intelligence was received indicating that three (03) trucks travelling from South Africa and destined for Zambia were allegedly transporting boxes of Benylin containing Codeine.
The three trucks were intercepted and subjected to thorough searches, during which, the first truck was found with 90 boxes, while the second truck was carrying 80 boxes, bringing the total quantity recovered to 170 boxes of Benylin containing Codeine.
The said boxes of Benylin have been linked to Moses Mbao, male aged 56, a resident of Choma District. Mbao has since been charged with the Offence of Unlawful Importation of 4320 bottles (90 boxes) of Benylin with codeine. The boxes were hidden in-between Containers and covered with a tent on the Truck Trailer. The Horse and two (02) Trailers attached to the Truck are registered as: Horse bearing Registration No. BCE1912ZM, Trailer 1 bearing Registration No. HG39SBGP and Trailer 2 bearing Registration No. HG39RXGP.
Also arrested during the same operation was Hebert Chibobo, a Zimbabwean male aged 43. Chibobo has been arrested in connection with the offence of Unlawful Importation of 3840 bottles (80 Boxes) of Benylin with Codeine. The boxes were hidden in-between bags of Ammonium Nitrate and covered with a tent on a Truck Trailer. The Horse and two (02) Trailers of the Truck are registered as Horse bearing Registration No. LR 84 SF GP, Trailer 1 bearing Registration No. FT 91 BW GP and Trailer 2 bearing Registration No. FT 91 BX GP.
Meanwhile, the driver of a third truck linked to the matter was not present at the time of the search and has since gone into hiding. The Commission has instituted a manhunt for the driver and is working closely with other Law Enforcement Agencies operating at the border to trace and apprehend him.
Furthermore, in Chirundu District, the Commission has formally charged and arrested three (3) suspects identified as Malimbilimbi Daria, female aged 37, Mafuta Ginta, male aged 26 and Albert Phiri, male aged 31. The three have been arrested in connection with the offence of trafficking 33 balls of cannabis weighing 117.1g 81 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 199.7g and loose cannabis weighing 910.5g.
In another separate operation conducted within Chirundu District, the Commission has apprehended Panashe Nyikadzino, female aged 26, a Zimbabwean national. The apprehension is in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 10 prepacks of high-grade cannabis.
The DEC remains concerned with the illegal movement and distribution of controlled medicines, particularly substances containing Codeine, which are subject to regulatory controls and can be abused when diverted from legitimate medical use. The Commission has therefore, intensified surveillance and enforcement activities at strategic entry and exit points, mining areas and other locations identified as potential hubs for the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs.
The Commission further appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and report activities relating to drug trafficking, the illegal sale or diversion of controlled medicines, and other related criminal activities to the nearest DEC office or through the Commissionโs established reporting channels.
Issued by:
Allan Tamba
Public Relations Officer
๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง
