DEC Arrests Zambian Musician

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has apprehended a popular Zambian musician, Edward Chanda, popularly known as Chanda, for allegedly trafficking in 30.3 grammes of dry loose cannabis in Lusaka.

The 28-year-old, a resident of Meanwood, was among several suspects apprehended during intelligence-led operations targeting drug trafficking networks in Lusaka, Muchinga and Southern Provinces.

In a separate operation in Lusaka, the Commission apprehended 22-year-old Eliam Masepa Chisale, also known as Ghost, who was allegedly found in possession of 71 sachets of crystal methamphetamine, 11 rocks of cocaine and 10 sachets of high-grade cannabis.

DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said officers in Southern Province also intercepted a Scania truck at the Kazungula One-Stop Border Post, leading to the seizure of 25 bundles of high-grade cannabis weighing 111.4 kilogrammes.

Mr Tamba said the drugs were discovered concealed in white plastic sacks among bags of sulphur being transported from South Africa to the Copperbelt Province.

He added that the truck driver, 46-year-old Cletus Mulenga, a Zambian national residing in South Africa, allegedly attempted to bribe officers with K10,000 to prevent the search.

Mr. Tamba stated that the Commission subsequently conducted a controlled delivery operation to a truck yard in the Ten Miles area of Chibombo District, where 42-year-old Tanzanian national Kisibo Osman Alphan was apprehended upon allegedly receiving the drugs.

The Commission also seized the truck and its two trailers.

Meanwhile, in Muchinga Province, DEC officers, working with the Zambia Police Service, apprehended 33-year-old Roydah Mugala at Mutwe Wa Ng’ombe Gold Mine in Mpika District.

Ms Mugala was allegedly found in possession of 99 rocks and portions of powdered cocaine, 117 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 1.2 kilogrammes, 166 tablets of Benzhexol, commonly known as Artane, and nine bottles of Benylin with Codeine.

Officers also seized K6, 657 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug sales.

Mr Tamba said all the suspects are in lawful custody and will be subjected to court proceedings.

The Commission urged members of the public to refrain from drug-related activities and attempts to obstruct law enforcement officers, while encouraging citizens to provide information that could help dismantle drug trafficking networks