The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has formally charged and arrested His Grace, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda.
In a statement, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said the arrest is in connection with the offence of Possession of Property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, pursuant to Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of the Republic of Zambia.
Mr. Tamba added that particulars of the offence are that; Dr. Banda, on dates unknown, but between 22nd April 2021 and 27th December 2023, allegedly had in his possession, a blue Toyota Hilux motor vehicle bearing Registration Number ALF 7734, being property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
He stated that the subject motor vehicle is part of a wider investigation involving approximately 22 Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) motor vehicles alleged to have been improperly disposed of.
Following his formal arrest, Dr. Banda is scheduled to appear before Court today.
Mr. Tamba said the public, will be updated on the outcome of the Court process, as and when it will be lawful to do so.
He said in order to promote public peace, law and order, citizens are urged to refrain from issuing or circulating inflammatory statements regarding the matter.
The DEC remains steadfast in discharging its statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes through lawful and evidence-based investigative processes.