The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka has arrested three University of Zambia (UNZA) third year students and four others for trafficking in over 30 grams of cannabis contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
Confirming the development to Money FM News, Commission Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo stated that the students who have been identified as Amadu Bah Mwansa, 22, Siddy Gadjo Mwansa, 22, and Kitonzui Mesala, 24, were found with 12.5 grams of special cannabis and one suspected sachet of heroin.
Ms. Katongo added that other suspects include 19 year old Neyma Camara, Robinson Chibwe, 28, Cloud Kabwe, a bus conductor and Mathias Banda, a bus driver for trafficking in 21.5 grams of cannabis.
“The four while driving a motor vehicle registration number ALD 5604 Pajero IO, were also picked from UNZA and are believed to be major suppliers of drugs in the area,” Ms. Katongo said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Katongo disclosed that the commission has also arrested two students from the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) and three others for trafficking in special cannabis.
She said the variety of cannabis found with the suspects, also referred to as special cannabis on the market, is believed to be imported from a named country in Southern Africa.
“And in a related development, two (02) students from the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) and three (03) others have also been arrested for trafficking in special cannabis.”
“Kachizya Mulenga, 20, and Choma Chato, 19, both students at ZCAS have been arrested and jointly charged with Shawa Mwale, 23, Gift Kumwala, 36, and Samson Sinkala, 25, for trafficking in 19 sachets of special cannabis,” she stated.
Ms. Katongo further revealed that three youths of Lusaka’s Chilenje area have also been arrested for trafficking in suspected heroin.
She identified the suspects as Innocent Kakulo, 33, Ozias Kaundula, 21, and Chungu Chomba, 24, who were nabbed for trafficking in 15 sachets of suspected heroin.
“And in Eastern Province, a special operation was conducted in Shabati village of Chipangali District on 2nd January, 2021 where two (2) people were arrested for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing over 400 killograms and trafficking in 25grams of loose cannabis contrary to Cap 96 of the Laws of Zambia.”
“The suspects identified as Gift Banda, 39, and Yona Phiri, 33, both peasant farmers of Shabati village, have been arrested and jointly charged for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants intercropped with maize weighing 421 kilograms. And in count two, Yona Phiri has been separately arrested for trafficking in 25 grams of loose cannabis concealed in a black polythene sack found in his bedroom.’
Ms. Katongo said arrangements are being made for all suspects to appear before courts of competent jurisdictions at an appropriate time.