THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION (DEC) IN LUSAKA HAS ARRESTED FOUR SOMALI
NATIONALS FOR TRAFFICKING IN PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES

DEC public relations officer Betty Mumba said in Lusaka yesterday that the
four Somalis, were picked up for trafficking in 2.4 kg of the drug called
khat, popularly known as miraa.

Ms Mumba said that those arrested included a 42-year old house owner, a
45-year-old transporter, a businessman and a driver aged 34 and 36 years
respectively.

She warned foreign nationals to respect the laws of the country and stop
engaging in illegal trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic
substances.

"Foreign nationals in Zambia, should seek guidance on what type of drugs
are allowed to be consumed in Zambia," she said.

And in Mazabuka, the Commission arrested three peasant farmers for
cultivating cannabis.

The DEC spokesperson said that the three suspects, all from Chief
Naluwama's area, had allegedly cultivated 44 kg of cannabis.

Ms Mumba appealed to Zambian farmers to stop cultivating the prohibited
drugs and instead concentrate on growing food and cash crops to help the
nation attain food security and revenue.

She said that all the six suspects would appear in courts of law soon.