Drug Enforcement Commission

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 5𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆, 2026.

𝑫𝑬𝑪 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝑺𝒆𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 112𝒌𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆

In a major crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Eastern Province has apprehended four Malawian nationals and seized 112 kilogrammes of cannabis in Kapatamoyo Chiefdom of Chipangali District.

The successful operation was conducted after intelligence information revealed that a group of individuals had established a marketplace in the Kapatamoyo area for the sale and distribution of cannabis. Acting swiftly on the information, DEC officers mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of the illicit drugs.

The suspects have been identified as Bester Phiri, female, aged 44, Zione Mwale female, aged 33, Kennedy Samalani male, aged 35 and Cheukani Redson male aged 32, all Malawian nationals.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were found in possession of cannabis concealed in sack bags wrapped in Chitenge materials in an attempt to disguise the contraband and evade detection by law enforcement officers.

A total of 112 kilogrammes of cannabis was recovered during the operation and has since been secured as evidence, while the suspects have been taken into lawful custody.

This seizure underscores the Commission's commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing Zambia from being used as a transit and destination point for illicit drugs.

DEC is urging members of the public to remain alert and continue providing credible information on suspected drug trafficking activities, as community participation remains critical in safeguarding the nation from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.

Issued by:

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Happy Birthday Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces!

On behalf of the Drug Enforcement Commission, Management and Staff, I extend my heartfelt birthday wishes to you.

As you lead our great nation forward, I wish you God's blessings, strength, wisdom, and good health.

Sincerely,

Nason Banda
Director General
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), in collaboration with District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) and Barrick Lumwana Mine, has intensified sensitization programmes in schools across Kalumbila District ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated annually on 26th June.

The campaign, held in several primary and secondary schools in the district, is aimed at preparing learners for this year’s observance under the global theme of prevention and community action.

The programmes focused on educating pupils on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, promoting positive behaviour change, and encouraging young people to make informed and healthy life choices. Through interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and awareness talks, learners were empowered with knowledge on the physical, psychological, and social effects of illicit drugs.

DEC officers also highlighted the importance of living drug-free lives and explained the role of early drug prevention in reducing crime and building safer communities. Learners were further informed that DEC offers free, confidential counselling and rehabilitation services for anyone struggling with substance abuse.

Speaking during the sessions, DEC officials commended the partnership with Barrick Lumwana Mine and DEBS, noting that the collaboration has been key to the smooth implementation of the outreach activities. The mine’s support, they said, demonstrates strong corporate commitment to creating a drug-free and safer society for future generations.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed every 26th June, is a United Nations initiative to strengthen global action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

DEC reaffirmed its commitment to intensify school-based prevention programmes across the country as part of its mandate to reduce demand for illicit drugs through education and community engagement.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑺𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒚 30𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒚, 2026.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Central Province has jointly charged and arrested five suspects following the interception of a public service bus allegedly used in the trafficking of illicit drugs during a successful intelligence-led operation conducted along the Great North Road in Kabwe.

The suspects have been identified as Cacious K***a Ngoma, aged 41, of Mushili Compound in Ndola, who was additionally found in possession of 11 tablets of suspected narcotic drugs; David Sabinda, aged 61, a bus driver of Garden House in Lusaka; Moses Chisakama Hamashila, aged 40, a bus driver and resident of Lusaka West; Kelvin Chola, aged 42, a bus conductor and resident of Kitwe Township; and Miles Silwimba, aged 33, a bus conductor of Olympia Township in Lusaka.

Facts of the matter are that the Commission received intelligence information indicating that a public service bus bearing registration number AJF 503ZM, which had earlier crossed into Zambia through Chirundu Border Post from South Africa, destined for the Copperbelt Province, was allegedly transporting compressed high-grade cannabis and Benylin with codeine.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, DEC officers instituted a controlled delivery operation and mounted a checkpoint near Kasanda Police Station in Kabwe, where the said bus was successfully intercepted and searched.

During the operation, officers discovered three packs of compressed high-grade cannabis weighing approximately 3.1 kilograms, three boxes containing 143 bottles of Benylin with codeine, and 11 tablets of suspected narcotic drugs. The contraband was carefully concealed in the fuel tank compartment of the bus in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement officers.

The Commission has since impounded the bus and arrested the five suspects in connection with the offence. All suspects are currently in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.

The Drug Enforcement Commission wishes to warn individuals and transporters involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs and controlled substances that the Commission remains dedicated to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country. DEC further reiterates its call for continued public cooperation in the fight against drug-related crimes by promptly reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
Issued by:

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and SMART Zambia Institute have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen digital collaboration as a strategy for improving law enforcement efficiency and public service delivery.

DEC Director General, Mr. Nason Banda, today paid a courtesy call on SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator, Mr. Percy Chinyama at the Institute’s offices. Mr. Banda was accompanied by a team of senior DEC officers and ICT specialists.

The engagement brought together technical teams from both institutions to explore digital solutions that can modernize DEC’s operations. Discussions focused on leveraging technology to boost operational efficiency, streamline case management systems, and enhance service delivery for citizens.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Banda said technology was critical in strengthening the Commission’s mandate to combat illicit drugs and money laundering. He noted that digital transformation would improve data management, speed up investigations, and make DEC services more accessible to the public.

Mr. Chinyama welcomed the collaboration and assured DEC of SMART Zambia’s support in developing secure, integrated ICT systems. He said the Institute was committed to working with law enforcement agencies to build digital platforms that promote transparency, accountability, and faster response times.

Both institutions agreed to establish a technical working group to identify priority areas for digital integration and develop a roadmap for implementation. The partnership is expected to enhance DEC’s case management, improve inter-agency data sharing, and support the Commission’s ongoing education and counselling programs.

The meeting marks a step toward SMART Zambia’s broader mandate of coordinating e-government services across public institutions, while supporting DEC’s efforts to use innovation in the fight against illicit drugs.

𝐌𝐎𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐈 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆-𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has urged Mopani Copper Mines employees to embrace healthy, drug-free living, saying personal choices are central to workplace safety and productivity.

DEC’s Education and Counselling Department (ECD) delivered the message during a Tuka Chimfya Pamo (TCP) alignment session at Mopani’s Mufulira People Growth Centre. TCP is Mopani’s mindset-change program that promotes ownership, discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility across its operations.

Speaking to employees, the DEC officer outlined the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, noting its impact on families, job performance, workplace safety, and mental wellbeing.

“Mindset change starts with personal decisions,” the officer said. “Every employee has a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their colleagues by choosing a drug-free life.”

The officer stressed that DEC’s mandate extends beyond enforcement. The Commission also provides free, confidential counselling and rehabilitation services to the public.

“The role of DEC is not only to arrest offenders, but also to educate, guide, and help people make better life choices,” she said. “We offer counselling services at no cost, and all information shared remains strictly confidential. Our goal is to keep communities and workplaces safe, healthy, and productive.”

The Commission commended Mopani’s management for providing the platform and praised the Tuka Chimfya Pamo initiative for driving positive behavioural change.

“Programs like this are vital for building disciplined and responsible communities,” the officer added.

The awareness session forms part of Mopani Copper Mines PLC’s ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing, safety, and mindset change through the TCP program. By partnering with DEC, the company aims to foster a disciplined, responsible, and drug-free workforce.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 “𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐀 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇” 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄

DEC officers from the Drug Enforcement Commission’s Education and Counselling Department (ECD) have called on pupils to reject drug and substance abuse, warning that it undermines health, academics, and future opportunities.

The ECD delivered the message during a recent visit to Fountain of Hope Community School, where officers engaged learners on the risks associated with illicit substances.

The session focused on three key areas: the health and academic effects of drug use, the legal consequences under Zambian law, and the importance of making positive choices. Officers explained how substance use harms the body, impairs concentration, and jeopardizes academic performance, while also outlining penalties for possession and use of illegal substances.

“Academic success requires a clear, focused mind. Drugs erode that focus and put future opportunities at risk,” officers told the learners.

Pupils were attentive throughout the engagement, with many saying they valued hearing directly from DEC officers. For several learners, the session served as a wake-up call.

“This will be the beginning of having a positive mindset, concentrating on academics, and staying away from drugs,” one learner said.

The Education and Counselling Department said it will build on the engagement to ensure learners feel supported to stay in school and work toward a future free from drugs. The outreach forms part of the Commission’s wider prevention strategy targeting schools and communities across the country.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟔𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐀𝐘

Zambia yesterday joined the rest of the continent to commemorate the 63rd Africa Freedom Day, with the main event held at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka.

The commemoration was held under the theme _“Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlighting the continent’s focus on water security and sanitation as key drivers of development.

Following the ceremony at the Freedom Statue, the Head of State proceeded to State House for the Investiture Ceremony. During the event, 16 individuals were honoured for meritorious service, outstanding achievement, and acts of gallantry.

Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Mr.Nason Banda was among the invited delegates who attended the commemorations.

Africa Freedom Day, observed annually on May 25, marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, now the African Union, and celebrates the continent’s progress toward unity, peace, and socio-economic development.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐃𝐆 𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐙𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝟔𝟎 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝟓𝟓𝐓𝐇 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

The Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Mr. Nason Banda has commended DEC officers who graduated this week, saying their academic achievement will sharpen the Commission’s fight against illicit drugs and money laundering.

Mr. Banda spoke after attending the University of Zambia’s 55th Graduation Ceremony, held on May 21 and 22 under the theme _“60 Years of Transforming Lives through Teaching, Research, Innovation, and Responsiveness to a Competence-Driven Future.”_ The theme marked UNZA’s 60th anniversary and highlighted higher education’s role in national development.

Mr. Banda, who was among the invited delegates at the ceremony, said he was proud of the officers’ dedication to furthering their education.

“Their pursuit of further studies reflects a deep understanding of how knowledge and professionalism directly strengthen the Commission’s mandate,” he said. “Education builds capacity, sharpens judgment, and enhances service delivery.”

The Director General pledged continued support for education at all levels, noting that officers must be equipped with “skills, integrity, and innovation needed to uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and public service.”

The graduation of DEC officers aligns with the Commission’s emphasis on professionalism and continuous learning as law enforcement adapts to a competence-driven environment.