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Crime & Courts

DEC Unearths Suspected Counterfeit Fertiliser Plant

The Drug Enforcement Commission -DEC- has uncovered a plant allegedly involved in...

By Arnold Tutu

The Drug Enforcement Commission -DEC- has uncovered a plant allegedly involved in the manufacture of counterfeit fertiliser in 9 Miles and Meanwood Vorna Valley

DEC Public Relations Officer ALLAN TAMBA says the operation spans Chibombo and Chongwe districts in Central and Lusaka Provinces.

Mr. TAMBA says four people have been arrested in connection with the alleged operation.

They are 40-year-old agricultural consultant IWA SIAME and businessmen 34-year-old JOHN NGULUBE, 49-year-old FORTUNE KALIMA and 45-year-old STAN PENTI

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Mr. TAMBA says the four have been charged with producing farming requisites at an unregistered plant, possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, conspiracy to commit a felony and money laundering.

He said in a statement that the suspects allegedly manufactured and processed farming requisites at unregistered premises between January 1, 2025 and September 19, 2026

Mr. TAMBA said the DEC has seized 739 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser, as well as raw materials and equipment allegedly used in the operation.

He said the suspects are also accused of setting up an unauthorised operation involving the deceptive packaging and distribution of the fertiliser.

Mr. TAMBA further alleges that proceeds from the sale of the suspected counterfeit fertiliser were used to acquire property for the suspects’ benefit.

He said the four suspects are in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.

Mr. TAMBA has urged farmers and members of the public to exercise caution when buying fertiliser and other farming inputs and to source them only from legitimate suppliers and distributors.

He has also called on the public to report suspected criminal activities to the authorities.

Source: Zambia24 — Read more

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