Binwell, three-others captured by DEC, Police!
THE Drug Enforcement Commission—DEC has arrested four suspects and seized more than 25 kilogrammes of cannabis in coordinated operations across Muchinga, Southern and Lusaka Provinces.
Tamba tells TV Yatu in a statement that among the suspects is Binwell Chanda, 59, who has been arrested on allegations of trafficking in 18.5 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis which was craftly wrapped in banana leaves and concealed in polythene bags in Mafinga.
DEC Public Relations Officer, Allan Tamba says the arrests are as a result of enhanced surveillance and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting trafficking networks.
Tamba says a Joint Investigations Team of DEC and Zambia Police officers stormed Thendere area in Chilumbi village, Mafinga District.
In Southern Province, Tamba says DEC officers from Choma carried out an operation in Sinazongwe District that led to two arrests.
He said Selina Mwalama, 51, a peasant farmer of Mwanajoke Village, was found with 470 balls and loose cannabis weighing 4.6 kilogrammes.
He says that her relative, Lucky Siabusu, 28, an Assistant Shopkeeper, was also apprehended.
“Siabusu was apprehended for attempting to bribe officers with K5,000 in an effort to secure the release of Mwalama and has since been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigations,” Tamba says.
He adds that the third operation took place at the Chirundu One-Stop Border Post where officers arrested Modeste Wetu Kankonde, 37, a Congolese national.
He explains that Kankonde has been arrested in connection with the offence of trafficking in cannabis weighing 2.3 Kilogrammes.
He said the suspect was intercepted while travelling from South Africa and was reportedly destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“All four suspects are currently in lawful custody awaiting court processes,” he says.
Tamba warns that the Commission is tightening the noose on cross-border drug trade, stating that members should be aware that border-control operations have been intensified and perpetrators engaging in trans-national drug trafficking activities will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“The Commission further calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide information on suspected illicit drug activities through established reporting channels, as public cooperation remains critical in the fight against drug trafficking and related offences,” Tamba adds.
-TV Yatu | Sanfrossa Mberi | August 24, 2026.