DEC arrests 50 for illegal drug dealing

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 50 people for being in possession of psychotropic substances in various parts of the country.

 

Among the suspects were three Tanzanian nationals.

 

DEC Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo said those arrested include 27 year-old Vincent Musa a driver of Songeya area in Tunduma who was arrested for trafficking in miraa , Francis David, 31, a businessman of Chiyanga village in Nakonde  district and Ephraim Lungwe, 19, also of Chiyanga village  for trafficking in loose Cannabis weighing over 18 grams.

 

This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS by Ms Katongo in Lusaka today.

 

Meanwhile, in a similar case, the Commission has arrested 47 people for unlawful cultivation and trafficking in various quantities of cannabis.

 

Ms. Katongo said in Mpulungu district, the DEC has arrested and jointly charged Mulenga Sigoma, 25, Boniface Sinkonde, 27, and Ben Sikatali, 35, peasant farmers of Kapondwe village for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plant weighing 350 kilo grams.

 

She said the Commision has also arrested three people in Mwinilunga district namely Maybin Chisambwe, 36, Simon Sibeya and Roderick Musema, 32 ,for trafficking in loose cannabis of various quantities.  

 

Furthermore, the DEC has since arrested two other suspects in Mwansaombwe and Lundazi districts for cultivating fresh cannabis plants weighing 116kgs and 9.15kgs respectively.

 

Ms.Katongo said all suspects will appear in court soon.