DEC Arrests 12 People in Drug Crackdown

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 12 people in separate drug-related cases in Lusaka Province, seizing cannabis weighing more than 11 kilogrammes, including cannabis-laced cupcakes. In a statement, DEC Public Relations Officer ALLAN TAMBA says ten people were arrested during an intelligence-led operation at the Summer Reggae and Afro Music Festival in Chongwe District, where 10.8 kilogrammes of cannabis were seized. Those arrested include FRANCIS HABEENZU, aged 27, MATILDAH ZULU, aged 22, and HELLEN BANDA, aged 26. In a separate incident, two 20-year-old female students, identified as BLESSINGS KAONGA and GIFT KAONGA, were arrested at a boarding house in the New Kasama area after they were allegedly found with 26 cupcakes containing 596 grammes of cannabis. The DEC says it is engaging organisers of the reggae festival to prevent the event from being used for illegal activities. The Commission has also urged boarding house proprietors to report suspicious activities as part of efforts to prevent drug-related crime. Mr TAMBA says all 12 suspects are in lawful custody awaiting court appearances. The DEC has warned individuals involved in drug trafficking that it will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to intercept, arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.