06/11/2026
DEC Uncovers Multiple Drug Trafficking Syndicates, Seizes Illicit Substances in Intelligence-Led Operations
The nationwide fight against drug trafficking has gained momentum as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), intensifies its operations, with coordinated interventions on the Copperbelt, in Central and Lusaka Provinces resulting in the arrest of several suspects linked to the trafficking and cultivation of controlled substances.
In Mkushi District in Central Province, the Commission has arrested Elias Simwala, male aged 23, of Itala residential area. Simwala has been arrested for Trafficking in 13 rocks of Co***ne, 35 wraps of He**in, 2 bottles of Benylin with Codeine, 125 sachets of Cannabis and 1.82 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. Also arrested within the District, is Hilda Ngulube, female aged 75. The arrest is in connection with the offense of Trafficking in 386 sachets of Cannabis weighing 1.4 kilogrammes.
Meanwhile, in Kapiri Mposhi, the Commission has arrested Solomon Sipanji, male aged 28, of Mukonchi area. The arrest is in connection with the offence of Unlawful Cultivation of Cannabis plants weighing 1.4 kilogrammes, which were intercropped with chilli plants and Trafficking in 300 grammes of dry loose Cannabis.
Furthermore, in Chitambo District, officers have jointly charged and arrested Joyce Namfukwe, female aged 45, of Makululu Compound in Kabwe District and Priscilla Mwenya, female aged 45, of Chaila area in Mpika District. Namfukwe and Mwenya have been arrested for Trafficking in 4.29 kilogrammes of high-grade Cannabis. In another operation conducted in the same area, the Commission has formally charged and arrested Brenda Chola, female aged 27, of North Park area in Kapiri Mposhi. Chola has been arrested for Trafficking in 57 rocks of Co***ne weighing 2.9 grammes.
Additionally, in Lusaka District of Lusaka Province, the Commission has formally charged and arrested Grace Chibuye, female aged 27 and Rabecca Daka, female aged 31, both residents of Kanyama area. The two, have been arrested in connection with the offence of Trafficking in high-grade Cannabis weighing 3.8 kilogrammes.
On the other hand, arising from a controlled delivery operation conducted by officers from Southern, Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces, the Commission has jointly charged and arrested three (3) suspects at a named Bus Station in Kitwe. The suspects have been identified as Arnold Chileshe, male aged 36, of Kwacha Township, James Nkandu, male aged 44, of Kawama area and Felix Kayombo, male aged 30, of Foxdale area in Lusaka.
The trio has been arrested in connection with the offence of Unlawful Importation of 384 bottles of Benylin cough syrup containing Codeine. During the operation, the Commission also seized a red Nissan Note motor vehicle, bearing Registration Number ADF 8158. The vehicle was allegedly linked to the transportation of the drug consignment from the said Bus station.
All the named suspects have since been detained in lawful custody, awaiting Court appearances.
The DEC remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the cultivation, possession and distribution of controlled substances. Persons engaged in illicit drug related activities are hereby warned, that they will face the full force of the law.
Members of the public are further encouraged to continue supporting the Commission by reporting suspected drug-related activities to the relevant authorities so that by acting together, we can effectively prevent, detect and combat crime.
Issued by:
Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
Drug Enforcement Commission
