The Drug Enforcement Commission in Muchinga Province has formally arrested and jointly charged thirteen people in Lavushimanda District of Muchinga Province for trafficking in loose cannabis, cannabis seeds and unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing a total of over 105 tonnes, contrary to the laws of Zambia.

The suspects are identified as Bishirt Banda, 65, Zeddy Mumba, 44, Rudoh Ngosa, 25 and Desho Mwape of Mumpamanzi village, Chintu Mulenga, 17, Maxwell Kachule, 18, Ngosa Manda, 16, Chula Kunda, 17 and Maxwell Manda, 17, all of Isaac village in Lavushimanda District of Muchinga Province.

Others are Febby Banda, 54, Madson Manda, 31, Maxson Chilando, 43 and Stanley Kazembe, 50, popularly known as “Satana” of Kamwendo village also of Lavushimanda District.

DEC Acting Spokesperson Kamufisa Manchishi explains that the suspects were nabbed in four major operations conducted by the Commission in the area leading to the discovery of several fields of cannabis believed to be supplying various towns in Lusaka, Copperbelt and Eastern Provinces.

Mr. Manchishi says of the thirteen suspects, nine have also been slapped with additional charges for trafficking in a total of 322.9 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis in separate incidences.
He says the suspects are currently in police custody and will appear in court soon.