Four Arrested For Trafficking 44 Tonnes of Cannabis in Zambia
Published on September 17, 2025 at 12:30 PM by Evance Kapito
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Zambia has intensified its crackdown on illicit drug activities, making significant seizures and arrests in Kafue District (Lusaka Province) and Livingstone District (Southern Province).
In Chifwema, Kafue, officers uprooted and destroyed 44 tonnes of abandoned fresh cannabis plants. The operation led to the arrest of two men on charges of trafficking in cannabis and possession of prohibited items.
The first suspect, Webster Nyowowo (35), was found with a 20-litre bucket of compressed cannabis weighing 21.3kg, a muzzleloader firearm, a shotgun shell, and a slaughtered game animal (identified as a common duiker).
The second suspect, James Tembo (25), was found with a 20-litre bucket of compressed cannabis weighing 19.8kg and four shotgun shells.
In a separate Livingstone operation, DEC officers intercepted a South African-registered truck belonging to a named international transport company. A search uncovered 50kg of high-grade cannabis, packaged into 50 pre-packs.
Two suspects were arrested are Patrick Chifita (40) of Luanshya Township and Erick Kaluwa (33) of Mandevu Compound, Lusaka.
All suspects are in police custody awaiting court appearances.
DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere said the seizures demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to dismantling drug supply chains and protecting communities. She urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related activities to law enforcement agencies.
