22/01/2026
DEC ARRESTS SEVEN IN MULTI-PROVINCE CANNABIS TRAFFICKING OPERATIONS
By Kasimilo | Urban Pulse Zambia
Lusaka – January 22, 2026
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested seven people following coordinated operations that dismantled large-scale cannabis trafficking networks across several provinces.
In Muchinga Province, DEC officers in Nakonde District, working alongside Zambia Police officers from Mafinga District, carried out a controlled delivery operation in Isoka District. The operation involved tracking a suspicious parcel transported in a Toyota Noah vehicle until it reached its destination.
The operation led to the arrest of the sender and receiver, identified as Gift Kaira (20) and Edony Sinkamba (27), both residents of Isoka District.
Police recovered 164 large packages of dry loose cannabis, concealed in a polythene bag, with a combined weight of 96.8 kilogrammes.
Meanwhile, in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province, officers arrested Mwansa Mwelwa (38) for allegedly trafficking 10.2 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.
In a separate operation in Mansa District, DEC officers apprehended Martin Lwimba (25) of Kabende Village for allegedly cultivating cannabis plants weighing 33.6 kilogrammes.
In Lusaka Province, DEC uncovered a suspected transnational drug trafficking operation following intelligence about a controlled delivery of cannabis from South Africa.
A 57-year-old woman, Judy Thebe, of Meanwood Ibex Hill, was arrested at Intercity Bus Terminus in Lusaka after officers intercepted a consignment of 808 grammes of cannabis transported by bus via Chirundu.
Two additional male suspects connected to the Lusaka case have also been arrested and are currently detained to assist with ongoing investigations.
All suspects remain in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court.
DEC has since appealed to members of the public to continue sharing information on suspected drug-related activities, stressing that public cooperation remains key to preventing and combating crime.
