The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka has unearthed a large-scale illicit cannabis cultivation operation in the Chifwema area of Kafue District.
This follows an intelligence, led operation which resulted into the apprehension of 2 suspects identified as Bornwell Mulenga, aged 50 of Kanyelele village, and Timothy Choolwe, aged 38, of Mwelwa village.
DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba, said Mr. Mulenga was apprehended for trafficking 86.9 kilograms of loose cannabis and unlawfully cultivating approximately 12 tonnes of cannabis, while Mr. Choolwe was arrested for trafficking 14 kilograms of loose cannabis.
“It is reasonably believed that the seized drugs were destined for sale on the international market, particularly in Western countries where policy and legislation are increasingly leaning toward decriminalization and recreational use,” said Mr. Tamba in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
And Mr. Tamba has revealed that the commission has jointly charged and arrested two Philippine nationals identified as Ryan Balusong, aged 46, and Shyr John Pangan, aged 40 in Solwezi District of North-Western Province, for trafficking in 8.1 grams of crystal meth and possession of instruments used for the administration of illicit drugs.
He said that also arrested in connection with the case is a Zambian national, Patrick Chiwota, aged 38, of Kansanshi, adding that evidence indicates that Chiwota was the mastermind behind the supply of the drugs and associated paraphernalia.
Meanwhile, in another operation in Livingstone of Southern Province, 2 suspects attempted to evade arrest and ended up driving their vehicle into a stream after it veered off the road.
Mr. Tamba said that they have been identified as Eliud Ngombo, aged 25, and Manfred Sinyama, aged 30.
He said that both the suspects and the vehicle were retrieved, leading to the discovery of 20 kilograms of loose cannabis inside the car.
Mr. Tamba further said that a subsequent search of their residence uncovered an additional 14 kilograms of cannabis adding that all suspects from these operations are in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.
By Angel Kasabo
