Police in Kasungu are keeping in custody  23 commercial sex workers arrested on Wednesday night in a sweeping exercise conducted in the district.

The exercise comes barely days after unknown criminals high jacked a track carrying more that 110 bales of Tobacco belonging to Small Holder Farmers in the district.

Kasungu police spokesperson Sub Inspector Edwin Kaunda confirmed of the arrest.

“We have noted with great concern that most especially during this tobacco selling season, a lot of robberies are happening.

“The sex workers are the ones harbouring such criminals in their respective places. Instead of one enjoying his stay in the town, ends up being robbed,” explained Kaunda.

The police publicist has further assured people in the district of peace and security.

The sweeping exercise that started yesterday is expected to last for a week.