The Drug Enforcement Commission in Southern Province has seized an illegal consignment of 110 boxes containing 5,280 bottles of Benylin with Codeine cough syrup at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post.

The contraband was discovered during a search of a Scania truck registration number AJF 3160 heading from South Africa and driven by Chrispine Liwanga, aged 46.

Liwanga has been charged for Trafficking and Illegal Importation of Narcotic Drugs contrary to sections 15 and 16 respectively, of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia. The truck and the illicit cargo have since been seized.

In another incident, the Commission in Livingstone, intercepted a bus headed from South Africa and upon searching the bus, discovered 5.5 kilograms of cannabis.

A male suspect was subsequently picked who led officers to Lusaka where further investigations resulted in the apprehension of a female suspect in connection with the contraband. The suspects are identified as Isaac Hansafu aged 27 and Niza Malama aged 23.

Meanwhile in Eastern Province, the Commission has arrested Bob Musukwa aged 23 for trafficking in 514 sachets of cocaine weighing 30.84 grammes and Mike Phiri aged 29 for trafficking in 8.7 kilograms of loose cannabis.

Both suspects were intercepted on public passenger buses heading from Lusaka to Chipata.

The suspects are detained in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.

Further, John Mwale a traditional healer, aged 32 who was arrested for trafficking in 34 sachets of heroin weighing 2 grammes and 11.9 grammes of loose cannabis, appeared in Court and was sentenced upon conviction, to two years imprisonment on each count to run concurrently.

The Commission is concerned with the recent surge in the trafficking of illicit drugs in the country and wishes to inform the public that our officers are working tirelessly to monitor identified trafficking routes, bus terminals and border points.

We will continue being vigilant in our quest to identify and arrest individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. The Commission is further warning all individuals engaging in illicit drug trafficking to desist forthwith as they will be met with the full force of the law.

Hussein Khan

Public Relations Officer