The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has announced a major operation in Lusaka Province, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit U.S. dollars amounting to $1,639,800 and the arrest of five individuals. The operation, carried out in Lusaka’s Thornpark area, was executed in collaboration with the DEC’s Canine Unit.
The arrested suspects are Mwiinde Alex, 59, a businessman from Ndola Township; Kasonkomona Paul, 50, from Olympia Extension in Lusaka; Wakalala Martin, 49, from Mwembeshi in Lusaka; Nyemba Rogers, 49, also from Ndola Township; and Salangeta Joseph, 51, a businessman from Ng’ombe compound in Lusaka. Additionally, a Toyota IST vehicle, registration number BLA 5957, used in transporting the counterfeit currency, was confiscated. A Zimbabwean national, Garry Williams, is linked to the case but remains at large. The DEC is actively searching for his whereabouts.
In a separate initiative in the Eastern Province, the DEC has made significant progress in tackling drug trafficking. Several individuals were apprehended with large quantities of cannabis.
The DEC emphasized that it remains committed to eradicating financial and drug-related crimes to enhance public safety. The operations reflect ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure justice. The DEC urges the public to report any suspicious behavior to help maintain community safety.
