DEC seizes 1,035 KGs of cannabis in Mpika

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Mpika district of Muchinga Province has seized a total of 1,035 KG s of loose cannabis, making it the first ever largest seizure in the country in recent years.

Ten people from Lubunga Village have been arrested in a village sweep operation conducted by DEC.

The ten who are remanded at Mpika police station are expected to appear in court soon.

Chief Mpumba of the Bemba people of Mpika district disclosed this to Muchinga Province Minister Charles Banda when he paid a courtesy call on him at his palace yesterday.

Chief Mpumba said there is need to encourage such operations adding that drugs such as cannabis have serious effects on one’s life.

And Muchinga Province Minister Charles Banda said he is happy with the seizure and has appealed to the DEC not to relent in its quest to rid the country of illicit drugs.

Meanwhile, Chief Mpumba has expressed great concern over the indiscriminate killing of wild animals in his chiefdom and has appealed to the Zambia Wild Life Authority (ZAWA) to quickly intervene.

Chief Mpumba says because of the rising waters in most of the rivers and streams, animals are running away coming to the upper land and locals are taking advantage of the same to kill them.

Mr. Banda, who was recently transferred to Muchinga Province from Eastern, is on a familiarization tour of the region to check on developmental projects in the area.

Mr. Banda is also taking time to visit chiefs to explain government programmes and plans for development