Business
DEC arrests 10 with 10.8 kg of cannabis at reggae music festival in Lusaka
Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 12 people in separate intelligence-led operations in Lusaka Province and seized cannabis and cannabis-laced cakes, the agency said. Ten people were arrested during an operation at the Summer Reggae and Afro Music Festival in Chongwe District, where officers…
Picture: Zambia Monitor
Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 12 people in separate intelligence-led operations in Lusaka Province and seized cannabis and cannabis-laced cakes, the agency said.
Ten people were arrested during an operation at the Summer Reggae and Afro Music Festival in Chongwe District, where officers seized cannabis weighing a combined 10.8 kilogrammes, DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said in a statement.
Tamba identified some of those arrested as Francis Habeenzu, 27, Matildah Zulu, 22, and Hellen Banda, 26.
He said the Commission was engaging organisers and hosts of the festival to prevent people from using the event to engage in illegal activities.
“Those found wanting will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Law,” Tamba said.
Lakatips
Advertise on Lakatips
Reach readers following the national conversation
Display, sponsored placements and briefing slots — across politics, business and sport.
In a separate operation, two female students, Blessings Kaonga and Gift Kaonga, both 20, were arrested at a boarding house in New Kasama after they were allegedly found with 26 cupcakes laced with 596 grammes of cannabis.
Tamba said the two had been on the Commission’s watch list.
He appealed to boarding-house proprietors to report suspicious activities.
“The Commission is appealing to proprietors of Boarding Houses to take interest and report suspicious activities so that through collective action, we can prevent crime, create safer, healthier and functional communities for all,” he said.
All 12 suspects were in lawful custody awaiting court appearances, Tamba said.
“Unscrupulous persons involved in criminal syndicates are hereby warned that Zambia will neither serve as a transit corridor nor a destination hub for illicit drugs and controlled substances,” he said.
Tamba assured that the DEC remained alert and would continue working with other stakeholders to intercept, arrest and prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Source: Zambia Monitor — Read more
More to read
All Business →Y Celeb ft. Vocalist Zm – Dobo Video
Copperbelt rap heavyweight Y Celeb has released a new music video for his latest song, “Dobo,” a record that challenges the stereotypes society often attaches to people who smoke marijuana. The song questions the assumption that marijuana users cannot achieve success, highlighting how quick judgements…
Catholic priest Tyola, UPND’s Bwalya, reportedly reconcile
Catholic priest Father (Fr) Henry Tyola and United Party for National Development (UPND) official Frank Bwalya have reportedly reconciled following a dispute over alleged defamation and cyber-related abuse. Last week, Zambia Monitor reported that Bwalya, had threatened legal action against Fr Tyola over the alleged…
Zambia claims unemployment rate falls to 9.9%, as Western Province worst hit at 20.6%
Zambia’s unemployment rate fell to 9.9 percent in 2025 from 12.9 percent in 2024, while the employment-to-population ratio increased to 37.1 percent, according to the latest labour market survey. The findings were released during the official dissemination of the 2025 Labour Force Survey and Employment…