Drug Enforcement Commission

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐫. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 - 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞!

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

May this new year of your life bring you good health, strength, and continued success as you lead the Zambia Police Service in safeguarding our nation.
I pray for God’s continued guidance and blessings upon your life.

Cheers to another amazing year ahead!

Sincerely,

Nason Banda
Director-General
Drug Enforcement Commission

04/09/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒

Represented by the Deputy Director General, Ms. Beatrice K. Mpanga, The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), is pleased to be a part of the 26th Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Council of Ministers Meeting, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of the wider ESAAMLG Annual Meetings.

The Kigali Council of Ministers meeting is where Eastern and Southern African governments collectively decide how to strengthen their financial-crime defences and, increasingly, how to prove that those defences are actually producing results. The Council is the highest key decision-making body of ESAAMLG.

The 2026 meetings are being held under the theme:

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐌𝐋/𝐂𝐅𝐓/𝐂𝐏𝐅 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚.”

The important shift reflected in the 2026 theme is, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.

By attending this meeting, member countries are demonstrating commitment towards having the required AML/CFT laws and institutions in order to effectively identify criminals, trace and confiscate illicit assets, disrupt terrorist financing and produce real enforcement outcomes.

ESAAMLG's current strategic plan explicitly aims to improve members' compliance with Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) standards while strengthening the effectiveness of their AML/CFT systems.

The main objectives:

The 2024/25–2026/27 ESAAMLG Strategic Plan identifies seven major objectives:

1. Assess countries' AML/CFT systems against FATF standards and conduct quality mutual evaluations;

2. Enhance monitoring of member countries so that weaknesses identified through evaluations are actually corrected;

3. Understand emerging financial-crime risks, including new money-laundering, terrorist-financing and proliferation-financing methods through typologies research;

4. Strengthen ESAAMLG's international role, including participation in global AML/CFT initiatives and cooperation with FATF and other regional bodies;

5. Provide technical assistance and capacity building to member states, particularly countries undergoing FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) process;

6. Promote risk-based AML/CFT/CPF measures without unnecessarily restricting financial inclusion. This is particularly relevant to banking, mobile money, fintech, virtual assets and access to financial services; and

7. Strengthen ESAAMLG's Secretariat so it can sustainably and efficiently deliver its mandate.

Discussions in Kigali are key to leveraging social-economic development by focusing on:

Banks and financial institutions:

* Financial Intelligence Units
* law-enforcement agencies
* prosecutors and courts
* regulators and supervisors
* company/beneficial-ownership registries
* accountants, lawyers and other designated non-financial businesses

Fintech and virtual-asset businesses:

* cross-border movement of cash;
* asset tracing, freezing and confiscation;
* corruption and associated financial crime; and
* terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

This meeting aligns well with DEC'S mandate which aims at preventing the illicit cultivation, production, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals, as well as countering money laundering activities.

04/09/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 4𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓, 2026.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐘𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎.𝟒𝐤𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has stepped up its crackdown on Drug Trafficking activities through intelligence-led operations, leading to the arrest of three (3) suspects in connection with the offence of Trafficking in cannabis, pursuant to Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of the Republic of Zambia, and the seizure of over 20 kilogrammes of cannabis in the Northern and Lusaka Provinces.

In the Northern Province, DEC officers in Kasama District conducted two well-coordinated intelligence-led operations, resulting in the arrest of two (2) suspects in connection with the offence of Trafficking in dry loose cannabis.

The first suspect, Joseph Kaoma, male aged 23, of Chipolo Village in Kasama District, was arrested for Trafficking in 12.5 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. In another separate operation, officers also arrested Oliver Mukuka, male aged 21, of Ndatoka Village in Kasama District. Mukuka has been arrested in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 7.9 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.

Meanwhile, in Lusaka Province, DEC officers conducted an intelligence-led operation in the Silverest area following information that a male suspect was allegedly Trafficking in cannabis.

The operation which was conducted on 25th August 2026 led to the apprehension and eventual arrest of Chibeka Chola, male aged 33. Chola has been arrested for Trafficking in three (03) sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 10 grammes and for the Unlawful Use of Property to facilitate the commission of an offence, pursuant to Section 29 of Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.

Intelligence established that the suspect was allegedly involved in Trafficking in cannabis, prompting DEC officers to conduct a search at his residence. The search was subsequently extended to his vehicle, where the illicit drugs were discovered concealed in a Ziploc bag ingeniously hidden in the vehicle. The Commission has since seized a white Mitsubishi Pajero bearing Registration Number AGB 7151, which was used in the commission of the offence.

All suspects are in lawful custody awaiting court appearances.

The arrests reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to leveraging intelligence and inter-agency partnerships to counter drug trafficking and money laundering crimes. The DEC will continue to strengthen its intelligence-led approach, to conduct operations and disrupt drug trafficking networks, thereby protecting communities and institutions from the detrimental effects of drug trafficking and abuse.

The Commission further wishes to call on members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities so that by acting together, we can prevent, detect and combat drug-related and money laundering crimes in order to create safer communities for all.

Issued by:

Allan Tamba
Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

04/09/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through the Education and Counselling Department (ECD), continues to strengthen community and youth engagement through awareness activities across Southern Province.

In Chirundu District, the Commission engaged communities during the Red Cross Camp Meeting at Ing'ombe Ilede, while in Siavonga District, awareness activities were conducted with CM Financial Services.

In Mazabuka and Monze Districts, the Commission conducted joint awareness activities with Ndeke Clinic in Plan 2000, engaging community members on drug and substance use prevention.

The Commission has also partnered with Rusangu University to conduct weekly drug awareness activities, providing students with information and knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid substance abuse.

In Choma District, the Commission reached out to young people during the New Apostolic Church Youth Conference, Choma School of Nursing Foundation Students, and the Roman Catholic Church Youth Congress. These engagements were conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mental Health and One Stop Centre under Choma General Hospital.

In Livingstone District, the Commission engaged Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) youths during the Natebe Camp Meeting, focusing on the dangers of drug and substance use and the importance of making healthy choices.

Through these continued engagements, the DEC remains committed to educating, empowering and working with communities, churches, institutions of learning and other stakeholders to prevent drug and substance use.

03/09/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐇

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through the Education and Counselling Department (ECD) in Western Province, engaged young people during the Seventh-day Adventist and Catholic Church camp meetings held from 23rd to 29th August 2026.

The camp meetings, which provide an opportunity for church members to come together, reflect on God’s word and strengthen their faith, also created a platform for meaningful discussions on mental health, drug and substance use.

The ECD team sensitised the youths on the link between substance use and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, su***de and self-harm. The discussions also highlighted the effects and dangers associated with commonly abused substances such as alcohol, to***co and cannabis.

The sessions were highly interactive and provided an opportunity for the youths to ask questions, share experiences and gain knowledge on making informed and healthy choices.

The Commission remains committed to educating, empowering and engaging communities, particularly young people, in the prevention of drug and substance use.

01/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘, 𝐌𝐑. 𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐀, 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐅 𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Drug Enforcement Commission, I extend our warmest congratulations to You, Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, on your inauguration.

We look forward to working with your Administration in strengthening the fight against drug-related and money laundering crimes and in advancing our shared vision of a safer, healthier and drug-free Zambia.

Congratulations, Your Excellency,

Nason Banda
Director General
Drug Enforcement Commission

31/08/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 31𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕, 2026

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟕𝟎 𝐁𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞

A coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police Service at Danger Hill Mine in Mpika District of Muchinga Province has resulted in the arrest of a drug trafficker and the recovery of a substantial quantity of illicit drugs.

The suspect, identified as Leonard Zulu, male aged 28, of Chilenje South in Lusaka District of Lusaka Province, was nabbed following intelligence information indicating that he was allegedly supplying illicit drugs to illegal miners operating at Danger Hill Mine and residents of surrounding communities.

During the operation, officers recovered 90 sachets of Crystal Methamphetamine, 66 rocks of co***ne and three sachets of high-grade cannabis from the suspect.

The Commission has also established that the suspect is facing separate charges of theft, as investigations into his activities continue.

Meanwhile, during a separate operation conducted by DEC officers stationed in Kazungula District of Southern Province, intelligence was received indicating that three (03) trucks travelling from South Africa and destined for Zambia were allegedly transporting boxes of Benylin containing Codeine.

The three trucks were intercepted and subjected to thorough searches, during which, the first truck was found with 90 boxes, while the second truck was carrying 80 boxes, bringing the total quantity recovered to 170 boxes of Benylin containing Codeine.

The said boxes of Benylin have been linked to Moses Mbao, male aged 56, a resident of Choma District. Mbao has since been charged with the Offence of Unlawful Importation of 4320 bottles (90 boxes) of Benylin with codeine. The boxes were hidden in-between Containers and covered with a tent on the Truck Trailer. The Horse and two (02) Trailers attached to the Truck are registered as: Horse bearing Registration No. BCE1912ZM, Trailer 1 bearing Registration No. HG39SBGP and Trailer 2 bearing Registration No. HG39RXGP.

Also arrested during the same operation was Hebert Chibobo, a Zimbabwean male aged 43. Chibobo has been arrested in connection with the offence of Unlawful Importation of 3840 bottles (80 Boxes) of Benylin with Codeine. The boxes were hidden in-between bags of Ammonium Nitrate and covered with a tent on a Truck Trailer. The Horse and two (02) Trailers of the Truck are registered as Horse bearing Registration No. LR 84 SF GP, Trailer 1 bearing Registration No. FT 91 BW GP and Trailer 2 bearing Registration No. FT 91 BX GP.

Meanwhile, the driver of a third truck linked to the matter was not present at the time of the search and has since gone into hiding. The Commission has instituted a manhunt for the driver and is working closely with other Law Enforcement Agencies operating at the border to trace and apprehend him.

Furthermore, in Chirundu District, the Commission has formally charged and arrested three (3) suspects identified as Malimbilimbi Daria, female aged 37, Mafuta Ginta, male aged 26 and Albert Phiri, male aged 31. The three have been arrested in connection with the offence of trafficking 33 balls of cannabis weighing 117.1g 81 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 199.7g and loose cannabis weighing 910.5g.

In another separate operation conducted within Chirundu District, the Commission has apprehended Panashe Nyikadzino, female aged 26, a Zimbabwean national. The apprehension is in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 10 prepacks of high-grade cannabis.

The DEC remains concerned with the illegal movement and distribution of controlled medicines, particularly substances containing Codeine, which are subject to regulatory controls and can be abused when diverted from legitimate medical use. The Commission has therefore, intensified surveillance and enforcement activities at strategic entry and exit points, mining areas and other locations identified as potential hubs for the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs.

The Commission further appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and report activities relating to drug trafficking, the illegal sale or diversion of controlled medicines, and other related criminal activities to the nearest DEC office or through the Commission’s established reporting channels.

Issued by:

Allan Tamba
Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

31/08/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through its Education and Counselling Department (ECD), engaged youths from St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Kalulushi District during a Bible Picnic held at Kumbaya Gardens.

The programme provided an interactive platform for raising awareness on drug and substance use prevention, while promoting healthy lifestyles, responsible decision - making, and positive choices among young people.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for open discussions, fellowship, experience sharing, and meaningful interaction between the DEC team and the youths. Through these conversations, participants were encouraged to recognise the risks associated with substance abuse and the importance of making informed choices that contribute to their well - being.

Through continued education, counselling and youth - focused interventions, the DEC remains committed to empowering young people and strengthening communities in the fight against drug and substance use.

28/08/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐘

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through its Programmes Officer, Mrs. Tembo, participated in a three - day mentorship programme held by Great North Road Academy (GNRA) as part of its August Holiday Tuition Programme.

The programme provided learners with mentorship, life skills and valuable perspectives, including awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, resisting peer pressure and making informed choices for a healthy and positive future.

The DEC remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people to stay informed, make responsible choices and stay away from drugs.