What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Drug Enforcement Commission, P/Bag 476X Ridgeway, Government Road, Lusaka (2026)

07/05/2026

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑻𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚 7𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒚, 2026.

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB), in collaboration with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Illegal Fuel Vending led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has uncovered a coordinated illegal fuel activity undertaken through the operations of a registered Oil Marketing Company (OMC), Manyanya Oils Limited, resulting in the arrest of three individuals linked to the company in Nakonde District.

The arrests follow a targeted, intelligence-led enforcement operation aimed at dismantling illegal practices in the petroleum sector that threaten regulatory compliance, public safety, and national economic interests. Investigations indicate that the offences were not isolated acts but formed part of a broader scheme carried out through the operations of Manyanya Oils Limited.

The individuals apprehended, all holding positions within Manyanya Oils Limited, have been identified as:
• Charles Sinkamba (23) – Director and Main Shareholder;
• Martha Nakamba (28) – Site Supervisor;
• Carter Ngosa (43) – Board Member.

Preliminary findings suggest that these individuals acted in their respective capacities at Manyanya Oils Limited, indicating institutional involvement in the illegal activities under investigation.
The suspects have since been formally charged with multiple offences, including:

• Dumping of petroleum products contrary to Regulation 11(2) of the Energy Regulation (Petroleum Marking and Monitoring) Regulations;

• Possession of over-marked and non-conforming petroleum products contrary to Regulation 12(1) and (2) of the same Regulations;

• Failure to make a declaration under the Customs and Excise Act, contrary to Section 10(1), read together with Section 8 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2022; and

• Knowingly being in charge of a motor vehicle bearing false registration marks, contrary to Section 29(2) of the same Act.
During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted a tanker truck whose registration and configuration raised significant suspicion. The tanker was bearing Zambian registration plates AJD 6372 and AIE 7102.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a suspected original foreign registration plate, T353 DUF, concealed within the cabin, clearly indicating a deliberate effort to conceal and misrepresent the tanker’s true identity and origin.

Further verification established that AJD 6372 (the tanker horse) is registered in the name of Manyanya Oils Limited, while AIE 7102 (the trailer) is registered in the name of a separate entity, although it was being operated as part of the same unit.

The tanker was intercepted while it was offloading petroleum products suspected to be unmarked. Investigations further established that approximately 16,000 litres had already been discharged into the underground storage tank at the facility of Manyanya Oils Limited, and this quantity was overmarked at 206.1 percent. The remaining 11,000 litres in the tanker was found to be completely unmarked, clearly indicating deliberate tampering and non-compliance with national petroleum marking standards.

The arrested suspects are currently awaiting court appearances as the Task Force continues to pursue other individuals believed to have links to the illegal fuel activity.

The Task Force wishes to state that companies operating in the petroleum sub-sector are directly accountable for all activities conducted under their licences and through their assets and must ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and standards. Any entity found engaging in or facilitating illegal fuel activities will face the full force of the law.

Illegal fuel practices not only undermine fair competition and government revenue but also pose significant risks to public safety, consumer protection, and environmental integrity.

Members of the public and industry stakeholders are urged to strictly comply with all regulatory requirements governing petroleum products. The public is further encouraged to report any suspicious fuel-related activities to the relevant authorities.

Issued by:

Namukolo Kasumpa (Mrs.)
Manager – Public Relations
𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

05/05/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑻𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚 5𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒚, 2026.

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained fight against drug trafficking and illicit cultivation across the country, leading to the interception of several suspects and the seizure of substantial quantities of cannabis and other controlled substances.

At Victoria Falls Border Post in Livingstone, DEC officers intercepted two individuals attempting to cross into Zambia from Zimbabwe. Upon search, officers discovered that the suspects had concealed high-grade cannabis wrapped on their bodies in a calculated attempt to evade detection. The suspects have been identified as Demian Kahale, male aged 19, of Dambwa Central, who was found in possession of two pre-packs of suspected high-grade cannabis weighing 1.54 kilogrammes, and Peter Musongelwa, male aged 23, of Dambwa Site, who was found with one pre-pack weighing 531 grammes.

In a separate development at Chirundu Border Post, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officers intercepted a Volvo truck bearing registration number AJF 9508 and trailer AJG 2682, driven by Patrick Mpotola male aged 38 of Lusaka’s Chalala area. The consignment had been declared as assorted fresh fruits; however, a routine scan revealed suspicious packages. A subsequent physical inspection uncovered twelve (12) bales of compressed high-grade cannabis weighing a combined total of 255 kilogrammes, which had been concealed among the fruit boxes. Additionally, officers discovered boxes containing 576 bottles of Benylin with Codeine.

During the inspection process, the suspect fled the scene and is currently at large. DEC officers were immediately alerted and managed to secure the illicit consignment in the presence of ZRA officials and the clearing agent. The Commission has since launched a manhunt and is actively pursuing all leads to ensure the arrest of the suspect, along with any other individuals connected to the attempted trafficking.

Meanwhile, in Mansa District, DEC officers arrested Power Chalwe Musompo, male aged 32, for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 392.8 kilogrammes.

In another operation in Nchelenge District, officers arrested Dianess Mwila, female aged 21, for trafficking in 1.18 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis. Further, in Kawambwa District, Maxwell Muluba, aged 38, was nabbed for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 314.2 kilogrammes. The cannabis was notably intercropped with cassava plants in a deliberate attempt to conceal the illegal activity from law enforcement.

Additionally, the commission in Mpongwe District has arrested seven suspects for trafficking in dry loose cannabis with a combined weight of over 15 kilogrammes.

The suspects were all arrested in Masaiti District. Among them is Leifison Chimbukuma male aged 42, Tanus Changwe male aged 28, Martin Chiseba male aged 26, Jeremiah Chiseba male aged 19, Shuko Sangwapo male aged 19, Darius Sakeni male aged 66, and a juvenile.

All the arrested suspects are currently in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.

The Drug Enforcement Commission wishes to reiterate its strong warning to members of the public against engaging in drug-related offences. The Commission remains committed to its mandate to combat drug trafficking and abuse in all its forms and will continue to pursue offenders without fear or favour.

The Commission further urges members of the public to report any suspected drug-related activities to the nearest DEC office, as community participation remains critical in the fight against illicit drugs.

Issued by:

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

04/05/2026

𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟔𝟎: 𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐃𝐀 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐎 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆𝐒

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through its Education and Counselling Department (ECD) Lusaka Province, held a drug prevention sensitization session during the SDA Empower 360 programme at Mass Media SDA Congregation.

The session equipped the Church community with knowledge to abstain from drug and alcohol abuse, make informed and responsible life choices, and recognize early warning signs of substance abuse among children.

Parents were guided on identifying behavioral and physical indicators of drug use to enable early intervention and prevention within homes.

Faith + Information = Prevention. Together with the Church, DEC remains committed to partnering with faith based organisations to build and raise a generation that is informed, responsible, and drug-free.

03/05/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 3𝒓𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒚, 2026

𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐬.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) wishes to inform the general public that it has significantly intensified investigations into a series of gold-related fraud cases reported across the country between 2023 and 2026. These cases, commonly referred to as gold scams, involve individuals and entities purporting to engage in the trade of gold and other precious minerals, but ultimately defrauding unsuspecting victims of substantial sums of money.

A total of twenty-two (22) cases have been recorded during the period under review. The trend indicates a concerning rise in such offences, with a notable surge observed in 2025 and 2026. So far, fourteen (14) cases have been recorded in 2026 alone. The cumulative financial exposure linked to these fraudulent activities is estimated at approximately United States Dollars Twelve Million Eight Hundred Five Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Seven (USD 12,805,937.00) and Zambian Kwacha Four Million Six Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand (ZMW 4,675,000), underscoring the magnitude and increasing sophistication of these scams.

Consequently, Twenty-Four (24) suspects have been arrested in connection with these cases and are currently appearing before the courts of law, while investigations remain ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the offences.

Among the cases currently under active investigation are high-value transactions involving amounts exceeding United States Dollars One Million Two Hundred Thousand (USD 1.2 million). Preliminary investigations have revealed that perpetrators employ elaborate schemes, including the use of fake documentation, forged export permits, and impersonation of legitimate mining and logistics companies. In certain instances, foreign nationals have also been implicated, highlighting the transnational nature of these offences.

The Commission expresses concern over the continued emergence of fraudulent entities masquerading as legitimate gold dealers and refining companies. In light of this, members of the public are strongly urged to exercise heightened caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in any gold-related transactions, particularly those involving large financial commitments or cross-border dealings. It is imperative that individuals and businesses verify the authenticity and registration status of companies through relevant regulatory authorities prior to entering into any agreements.

The DEC remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard the public and uphold the integrity of Zambia’s mineral sector. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend all suspects involved in the illicit activities and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Members of the public who may have information relating to these or similar fraudulent activities are strongly encouraged to report to the nearest DEC office or contact the Commission through established communication channels.

Issued by:

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

02/05/2026

𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – 𝐌𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞

On 1st May 2026, Muchinga Province joined the rest of the nation in commemorating Labour Day under the national theme: “Securing Zambia’s Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All”.

This year’s provincial celebrations were held in Chinsali and were graced by the Republican President of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was well represented at the event. We are proud to announce that DEC Mpika was honored when one of its officers was awarded as the 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞.

The recognition reflects the values at the core of this year’s theme; dedication, professionalism, and service delivery that secures the future of work. The officer’s consistent commitment to investigations, community sensitization, and inter-agency collaboration embodies DEC’s mandate to protect communities from the scourge of drugs and substance abuse, thereby protecting jobs, skills, and the productive capacity of our nation.

This Labour Day theme is particularly relevant to DEC’s work. Through our Education and Counselling Department, we safeguard the skills and future productivity of Zambia’s youth by preventing drug abuse in schools, workplaces, and communities. Our enforcement arm protects jobs and livelihoods by dismantling drug networks that exploit vulnerable workers and young people. Every arrest, conviction, and sensitization campaign contributes to “decent work for all” by ensuring a drug-free, healthy, and psychologically safe environment for Zambia’s workforce.

The Director General, Mr Nason Banda commends the award recipient and the entire Muchinga Province team for their discipline and service. Let this award motivate all officers to uphold integrity, reliability, and commitment as we align DEC’s operations with the national vision for secure, skilled, and dignified work.

Congratulations to the Muchinga team.

29/04/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝟐𝟓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈 𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐈

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has graduated 25 youths as peer educators in Kapiri Mposhi, equipping them to lead drug prevention and healthy lifestyle campaigns in their communities.

The ceremony was held at Kapiri Mposhi Council Lodge. It was officiated by the Regional Commander Mr. Oscar Champa. He charged the graduates to be “agents of change,” stressing a holistic approach that links drug prevention with sexual and reproductive health education. “Young people influence their peers best,” he said.

Representing the District Health Director, Mr. Charles Chibangwe commended the initiative, noting that peer educators are vital in helping youths avoid substance abuse. “A drug-free youth population is key to a productive society,” he added.

Central Province Head of Education and Counselling, Ms. Cleopatra Chella Kajubi, said the peer educators will help tackle substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and mental health challenges facing young people.

With 65% of Zambia’s population being youth, the program strengthens community-based prevention at a critical time.

The graduands thanked DEC for the training, calling drug abuse a pressing issue affecting many of their peers. The event closed with the presentation of certificates.

27/04/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through the Education and Counselling Department (ECD) in Southern Province, has intensified community sensitisation efforts against drug and substance abuse.

The team recently engaged delegates at the Brethren in Christ Church National Women’s Conference held at Choma Secondary School, which drew participants from Zimbabwe and South Africa. A similar outreach was conducted at the SDA Youth Conference at Rusangu Camp Site, as well as during the first-ever Pathfinder Camporee and Women’s Conference at Chipande Camp Site in Mapanza.

At the women’s conferences, discussions centered on Nsunko, a substance commonly abused in Southern Province. The youth engagements focused on raising awareness about the abuse of Artane and alcohol, while promoting healthier lifestyle choices.

The Commission remains committed to strengthening community awareness and driving collective action against drug and substance abuse.

22/04/2026

𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), through its Education and Counselling Department (ECD) in Mongu, reached over 1,000 children with a drug prevention sensitisation programme during the SDA Camporee held at Liumba Mission Secondary School in Kalabo District, Western Province.

The session focused on empowering young people to abstain from drug use, make informed and responsible decisions, and understand the dangers associated with alcohol and substance abuse. It also highlighted the important role children can play in preventing and reducing drug abuse within their communities.

Together, we are building a generation that is informed, responsible, and drug free.

20/04/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚 20𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍, 2026.

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 “𝐊𝐮𝐟𝐞𝐳𝐚” 𝐘𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has upscaled its operation Kufeza, resulting in strategic drug seizures and arrests of notorious traffickers.

In Nyimba District in the Eastern Province, the Commission has formally charged and arrested Undi Mwanza, male aged 29. Mwanza’s arrest is in connection with the offence of Unlawful Cultivation of 150.1 kilogrammes of cannabis plants and Trafficking in 234.4 grammes of loose cannabis.

On the other hand, in the Northern Province, the Commission has formally charged and arrested Sylvia Malama, female aged 22. The arrest is in connection with the offence of Unlawful Cultivation of 104 kilogrammes of cannabis plants in Mukumbe village in Lunte District. Also arrested in the same area is Moses Mumba, male aged 25. Mumba has been arrested in connection with the offence of Unlawful Cultivation of 68 kilogrammes of cannabis plants.

Additionally, in Lundazi District in the Eastern Province, the Commission has arrested Suzyo Mkandawire, male aged 26. The suspect has been arrested in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 23 killogrammes of dry loose cannabis which was found in a sack concealed inside his house. Also arrested in separate operations conducted in the same area are two suspects namely; Masautso Mtonga, male aged 44 and Damiano Phiri, male aged 48. The suspects have been arrested for Trafficking in 22 and 21 kilogrammes of loose cannabis respectively.

In another arrest within Lundazi District, the Commission has formally charged and arrested Henry Banda, male aged 41. This is in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 18 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis which he was about to supply to members of the public in Mphamba Village.

Furthermore, in Nakonde District in Muchinga Province, officers have intercepted a notorious drug trafficker linked to a trans-national syndicate. The suspect, identified as Samuel Adam Sinkamba, male aged 54, has subsequently been charged and arrested for the offence of Trafficking in 41 bundles of Khat, also known as Miraa or Mirungi with a total weight of 11.8 kilogrammes. The contraband was found concealed in laptop bags aboard a named unregistered Isoka bound motor vehicle.

All the suspects are currently undergoing prosecutorial processes.

The Commission wishes to send a stern warning to those engaging in illicit drug – related activities that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them and they will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Citizens are further encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activities to the Commission so that by acting together, we can protect our nation and create communities which are free from all forms of crime.

Issued by:

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

16/04/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐂 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒

Yesterday, Wednesday, 15th April 2026, the Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers (ZUGAW), paid a Courtesy Call on the Director General of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

Speaking during the visit, Union National Coordinator – Education and Training, Ms. Samwaka Sambiana, thanked the DEC Director General, Mr. Nason Banda, for the successes recorded in the sphere of drug demand reduction. Ms. Samwaka pledged commitment to collaborating with the Commission in preventing substance abuse and promoting health and wellness among employees in the Public Service.

In response to Ms. Samwaka’s pledge, the Director General re-iterated the Commission’s continued commitment towards reducing the cultivation, production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in communities, institutions of learning and places of work. He emphasised that the Commission also provides education and counselling services to persons struggling with drug dependence and that members of the public were welcome to access the services in order to reclaim their health and wellbeing.

This partnership resonates well with the Commission’s annual operational theme aiming at leveraging partnerships in order to counter drug trafficking and abuse.

The Commission wishes to encourage all citizens struggling with different forms of addictions to seek professional help from professional organisations in order to have healthy and functional bodies which will in - turn help to drive national development.

15/04/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝑳𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒂, 𝑾𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚 15𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍, 2026.

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 (𝟒) 𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has intensified its countrywide crusade against financial crimes in order to protect Zambia’s economic development.

In a recent development in Kapiri Mposhi District in Central Province, the Commission has formally charged and arrested two persons for being found with 7 x K20 and 79 x K200 counterfeit notes, thereby amounting to a combined total of K15,940 worth of counterfeit currency. The said suspects, identified as Patrick Mwansa, male aged 28 and Bertha Sinaipa, female aged 18, were apprehended as they attempted to effect a deposit of the said funds at a named facility within the District. Upon interrogation, Mwansa led officers to a rented shop in Kawama Compound, where the counterfeit notes were alleged to have been manufactured. When officers searched the mentioned shop, a computer and a printer reportedly used for the production of counterfeit currency were seized for further forensic analysis. Officers also discovered a fake Bank of Zambia Identify Card which the suspects were using to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, 11th April 2026, the Commission received information that there were some persons who were trying to deposit K5,000 counterfeit currency notes at a Mobile Booth at Kalukungu Market in Choma District in Southern Province. However, upon realizing that the money was fake, the owner of the targeted Booth intelligently mobilised members of the public and conducted a citizens’ “arrest” on one of the suspects, who was later led to the nearest Police Station. Upon being searched at the police station, the suspect, who later came to be known as Conticious Baldwin Kapopwe, male aged 30, was found with an additional amount of K3,600 counterfeit notes in one of the pockets of his pair of trousers, thereby bringing the total to K8,600. The said notes were in K200 bills, all bearing the same serial number being AD3736141.

On Monday, 13th April 2026, investigations were later extended to Makalanguzu Market, where one more person identified as Kennedy Popota, male aged 59, was found with K1,150 counterfeit notes. Out of this amount, five notes were in K200 bills bearing the same serial number as the one found with Kapopwe, while one K100 bill and K50 notes with serial number AC6551810 and AE2787031, respectively, were seized. A combined total of K9,750 counterfeit currency has been seized in connection with the matter.

All the suspects are currently detained in lawful custody, pending court processes.

Members of the public are hereby urged to be on high alert and to carefully examine currencies before engaging in financial transactions.

The Commission wishes to warn unscrupulous persons engaging in unlawful financial practices that the long arm of the law will visit them shortly and they will be prosecuted accordingly.

Citizens are further encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activities to the Commission so that by acting together, we can protect our nation and create communities which are free from financial crimes.

Issued by:

Theresa Mawere
Deputy Public Relations Officer
𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Drug Enforcement Commission

07/05/2026

05/05/2026

04/05/2026

03/05/2026

02/05/2026

29/04/2026

27/04/2026

22/04/2026

20/04/2026

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00