THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has announced a series of significant drug busts across Zambia, among the arrests include two Filipino nationals in Solwezi.
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DEC, through its public relations officer Allan Tamba, revealed in a press statement that Ryan Balusong 46 and Shyr John Pangan 40 both Philippine nationals, have been jointly charged and arrested in Solwezi District, North-Western Province for trafficking in 8.1 grammes of crystal meth and possession of instruments used for the administration of illicit drugs.
Furthermore, DEC revealed the arrest 38 year old Zambian, Patrick Chiwota, a resident of Kansanshi who is believed to be the master-mind behind the supply of the said drugs, together with paraphernalia used for their illicit administration.
Meanwhile, an intelligence led operation resulted into the apprehension of two suspects identified as Bornwell John Mulenga, 50 of Kanyelele village, and Timothy Choolwe, aged 38, of Mwelwa village after DEC unearthed a large- scale illicit cannabis cultivation scheme in Chifwema area in Kafue District.
“Mulenga was apprehended in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 86.9 kilogrammes of loose cannabis and Unlawful Cultivation of 12 tonnes of cannabis, pursuant to Sections 15 and 19 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Number 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia, while Choolwe was apprehended in connection with the offence of Trafficking in 14 kilogrammes of loose cannabis,” DEC spokesperson Allan Tamba stated.
“It is reasonably believed that the said drugs were destined for sale on the international market especially in selected Western countries where policy and legislative frameworks are skewing towards decriminalisation of possession of [drugs for] recreational use.”.
“All suspects arrested during these operations are in lawful custody awaiting court appearances,” said Tamba.
The commission re-affirmed its unwavering commitment to combating crime in order to create a conducive governance environment for sustainable national development.
Kalemba July 3, 2025
