DEC Intensifies Drug Crackdown, Seizes Cannabis and Codeine Syrup

 

Lusaka, Thursday, July 30, 2026

The Drug Enforcement Commission has intensified intelligence-led operations against suspected drug trafficking, resulting in arrests and the seizure of cannabis and codeine-containing cough syrup in Copperbelt, Muchinga and Southern provinces.

DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba said in a statement issued on Thursday that the operations were aimed at disrupting the unlawful cultivation, production, transportation and distribution of illicit drugs across the country.

In Mufulira District, Copperbelt Province, the Commission arrested 29-year-old Wisdom Sinkala, also known as “Slim 70,” after allegedly finding 65 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in plastic packaging inside a Honda Fit registration number ADG 1361.

According to the DEC, Sinkala, a resident of Kitwe Township, had been on the Commission’s watchlist for allegedly supplying cannabis in Mufulira and surrounding areas.

The vehicle and the suspected cannabis were seized, while Sinkala was charged with trafficking in psychotropic substances under Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021.

In Isoka District, Muchinga Province, the DEC conducted a joint operation with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, leading to the arrests of 50-year-old Davies Mulenga of Milango Village and 32-year-old James Kombe.

Mulenga was allegedly found with 20 grammes of dry loose cannabis and 15 grammes of cannabis seeds, while Kombe was allegedly found with 40 grammes of dry loose cannabis.

During the same operation, officers reportedly discovered 16 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed on an abandoned bicycle. The suspected owner allegedly fled after noticing law-enforcement officers.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s premises reportedly led to the discovery of 1.5 kilogrammes of cannabis plants growing in a garden. The DEC said a manhunt had been launched for the unidentified suspect.

In Southern Province, officers arrested 33-year-old Ocklay Hambokoma of Libuyu area in Kalomo District after allegedly finding 19 packages of cannabis weighing 9.2 kilogrammes concealed in a box.

The Commission said preliminary information suggested that the cannabis was being trafficked into Zambia from another country.

In a separate operation at the Victoria Falls Border, officers intercepted 15 boxes containing bottles of Benylin with Codeine allegedly concealed in a truck.

The operation led to the arrest of 41-year-old Douglas Phiri of Matero North in Lusaka, who has been charged with unlawful importation of the medicine.

The DEC said all the arrested suspects were in lawful custody awaiting court appearances.

Although the statement reported that six suspects had been arrested, it named five people and indicated that another suspect remained at large.

The Commission appealed to members of the public to continue providing information about people suspected of participating in the illicit drug trade.

Tamba said community cooperation remained essential in protecting families and communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.