FOURTY-four tonnes of cannabis have been destroyed and four people arrested following a series of coordinated operations by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Kafue and Livingstone districts.
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In Kafue’s Chifwema area, officers discovered a massive field of abandoned cannabis plants weighing approximately 44 tonnes and these plants were immediately uprooted and incinerated.
According to DEC deputy public relations officer Theresa Mawere, the operation also led to the arrest of two men found with significant quantities of compressed cannabis and illegal items.
Mawere revealed that Webster Nyowowo, 35, was caught with over 21 kilogrammes of cannabis, a homemade firearm, a shotgun cartridge, and the carcass of a protected wild animal, believed to be a Common Duiker while 25-year-old James Tembo was also arrested in the same area, reportedly in possession of nearly 20 kilogrammes of cannabis and four shotgun shells.
Furthermore, the commission intercepted a South African registered truck in Livingstone, suspected of trafficking drugs across borders.
A search revealed 50 kilograms of high-grade cannabis, tightly packed into pre-weighed bundles hidden within the vehicle.
The two men arrested in connection with the truck operation were named as Patrick Chifita (40) from Luanshya and Erick Kaluwa (33) of Mandevu, Lusaka and both remain in custody pending court proceedings.
“The arrests demonstrate the Commission’s determination to dismantle illegal drug networks and disrupt the supply of illicit substances within Zambia,” she stated.
“These seizures reflect not only the commitment of our officers, but also the importance of public cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activity,” she said.
All four suspects are expected to appear in court soon, while investigations continue.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba September 17, 2025
DEC destroys 44 tonnes of cannabis, arrests 4 in major drug crack
FOURTY-four tonnes of cannabis have been destroyed and four people arrested following a series of coordinated drug enforcement operations by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Kafue and Livingstone districts.
In Kafue’s Chifwema area, officers discovered a massive field of abandoned cannabis plants weighing approximately 44 tonnes and these plants were immediately uprooted and incinerated.
According to DEC deputy public relations officer Theresa Mawere, the operation also led to the arrest of two men found with significant quantities of compressed cannabis and illegal items.
Mawere revealed that Webster Nyowowo, 35, was caught with over 21 kilograms of cannabis, a homemade firearm, a shotgun cartridge, and the carcass of a protected wild animal, believed to be a Common Duiker while 25-year-old James Tembo was also arrested in the same area, reportedly in possession of nearly 20 kilograms of cannabis and four shotgun shells.
In Livingstone, the commission intercepted a South African registered truck suspected of trafficking drugs across borders.
A search revealed 50 kilograms of high-grade cannabis, tightly packed into pre-weighed bundles hidden within the vehicle.
The two men arrested in connection with the truck operation were named as Patrick Chifita (40) from Luanshya and Erick Kaluwa (33) of Mandevu, Lusaka.
Both remain in custody pending court proceedings.
“The arrests demonstrate the Commission’s determination to dismantle illegal drug networks and disrupt the supply of illicit substances within Zambia,” she stated.
“These seizures reflect not only the commitment of our officers, but also the importance of public cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activity,” she said.
All four suspects are expected to appear in court soon, while investigations continue.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba September 17, 2025
