The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has launched an extensive national campaign targeting illegal cannabis cultivation, dubbed “Operation Valleys.” This sweeping initiative has led to the arrest of several individuals involved in large-scale marijuana production and trafficking across various regions of Zambia.
Major Seizures and Arrests
In Kafue District’s Chifwema area, DEC officers apprehended Clifford Chinyana, a 27-year-old farmer from Lukumba Village. He was caught unlawfully growing a staggering 8.7 tonnes of cannabis plants, an offence under Section 19 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. Investigations suggest that the cannabis was intended for distribution within Zambia’s Chibolya area, as well as export to Western countries where marijuana laws are gradually becoming more permissive.
Meanwhile, in Eastern Province, three individuals were arrested in Chalasa Village, Mambwe District, during coordinated raids. The suspects—Francis Chulu (26), Jackson Chulu (20), and Brian Nkhoma (23)—were found cultivating and trafficking cannabis. Authorities seized a combined 3.7 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants along with 988 kilograms of dried cannabis during the operations.
In a separate raid in Nyimba District, Benson Zulu (26) was arrested for trafficking 21.8 kilograms of loose cannabis, locally referred to as “Malawian Gold.”
Further north, in Mpika District, Muchinga Province, DEC officers arrested a 46-year-old Tanzanian national, Festo Pardon Mwandete, for trafficking 7.4 kilograms of compressed cannabis. The illicit substance had been carefully hidden in a public transport bus headed from Lusaka to Tunduma, indicating cross-border smuggling intent.
Legal Proceedings & DEC Commitment
All those apprehended are currently in police custody and will face charges in court soon.
The DEC has reiterated its unwavering resolve to clamp down on illegal drug activities, emphasizing that such efforts are vital for national security and long-term development. Authorities are calling on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug-related activities, emphasizing that community collaboration is essential in the fight against narcotics
“Operation Valleys” is proving to be one of the most impactful anti-drug enforcement initiatives launched by the DEC in recent years, targeting cultivation hotspots and trafficking routes. With tonnes of cannabis seized and multiple suspects facing prosecution, the Commission’s message is clear—drug crime will not be tolerated in Zambia.
