THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intensified its campaign against cannabis growers, targeting specific areas known as “operational valleys” across Zambia.
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The intensified operations have led to the arrest of four Zambian nationals and one Tanzanian, all allegedly involved in the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis.
DEC public relations officer Allan Tamba confirmed that these heightened enforcement efforts have resulted in substantial seizures of cannabis plants and the apprehension of several known growers in key valleys throughout the country.
Among those apprehended is Clifford Chinyana, 27, a peasant farmer from Lukumba village in Chifwema, who has been charged with the unlawful cultivation of 8.7 tonnes of cannabis plants.
Tamba stated that investigations revealed the seized cannabis was intended for local distribution, particularly in the Chibolya community, and for international export to countries where cannabis legislation is shifting towards legalisation.
Chinyana faces charges under Section 19 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Number 35 of 2021.
In separate operations conducted in the Eastern Province, DEC apprehended three individuals in Chalasa Village, Mambwe District; Francis Chulu, 26, Jackson Chulu, 20, and Brian Nkhoma, 23, were arrested on charges related to the illegal cultivation and trafficking of cannabis plants.
Their combined seizures totaled 3.7 tonnes of cannabis plants and an additional 988 kilograms of dried, loose cannabis.
Further operations in Nyimba District led to the arrest of Benson Zulu, 26, for allegedly trafficking 21.8 kilograms of “Malawian Gold,” a street term for loose cannabis.
In a significant inter-provincial bust, a Tanzanian national, Festo Pardon Mwandete, 46, was apprehended in Mpika District, Muchinga Province. Mwandete was arrested for trafficking 7.4 kilograms of compressed cannabis, which was cleverly concealed within a public passenger bus traveling from Lusaka to Tunduma.
Tamba said all suspects arrested during these operations are currently in lawful custody and are awaiting their court appearances.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to combating drug-related crime to foster a conducive governance environment for sustainable national development.
The Drug Enforcement also appealed to citizens to continue reporting any suspicious activities related to illicit drug trafficking and cultivation to the DEC.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 11, 2025
