Zambia’s War on Drugs: 7 Suspects Nabbed in Southern, Western Provinces
Published on April 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM by Evance Kapito
In its ongoing campaign to curb illicit drug-related activities in Zambia, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has recorded successful operations in the Southern and Western Provinces.
These efforts have resulted in the arrest of seven (7) individuals and the seizure of cannabis with a combined total weight of 120.3 kilogrammes.
In a complex operation led by officers in Southern Province and supported by officers in Lusaka Province, the Commission has formally charged and arrested two (2) male persons in connection with the offence of trafficking in 91 prepacks of high-grade cannabis weighing 103 kilogrammes.
The contraband was transiting into Zambia from another country through Livingstone District. Suspects linked to the contraband have since been identified as Peter Mkandawire, aged 31 and Henry Mangisha, aged 32.
Meanwhile, in Mongu District in the Western Province, the Commission has apprehended two (2) individuals in separate incidents in connection with the offence of trafficking in cannabis with a combined total weight of 8.6 kilogrammes. Of the two (2) suspects, the first suspect identified as Chindele Kalwena, male aged 30, was apprehended in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 5.2 kilogrammes of loose cannabis, while the second suspect, identified as Makai Makai, male aged 38, was apprehended in connection with the offence of trafficking in 3.2 kilogrammes of loose cannabis. Additionally, in Kaoma District, the Commission has formally charged and arrested Lubinda Liswani, male aged 30.
The arrest is in connection with the offence of trafficking in 250 grammes of loose cannabis. Furthermore, in Sesheke District, two (2) individuals were jointly charged and arrested for trafficking in 21.3 grammes of loose cannabis. The two have since been identified as Mukendwa Mundia, male aged 24, and Choze Choze, male aged 19.
The Commission remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional mandate aimed at promoting a drug-free Zambia. Therefore, we urge members of the public to desist from engaging in drug trafficking activities and instead contribute towards building safer communities.
The Commission further appeals to the general public to continue reporting suspicious drug – related activities to the nearest DEC offices so that by acting together, we can prevent, detect and combat crime.
