HOME OF EX-LEADER OF ZAMBIA SEARCHED FOR DRUGS

LUSAKA, Zambia - Zambian police broke into the home of former President
Frederick Chiluba today to search for drugs, which they accused him of
selling since he left office in December, witnesses said.

The police broke down the front door and entered Mr. Chiluba's home around
11 a.m. after a five-hour standoff in which he refused to recognize a
search warrant.

One officer said they were investigating an allegation that Mr. Chiluba, a
former clergyman, had been dealing in drugs from his home since he retired
at the end of last year.

Mr. Chiluba's lawyer, Robert Simeza, denied the accusation and said before
the police broke into the house that he would oppose the search warrant.

"We refuse to cooperate with the police because this is a breach of the
law," he said.

On Friday, the Zambian High Court upheld a parliamentary decision in July
to revoke Mr. Chiluba's immunity from prosecution and charge him with
corruption.

But Judge Anthony Nyangulu suspended the order, giving Mr. Chiluba's
lawyers 30 days to lodge a final appeal against prosecution.

Mr. Chiluba retired after an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Parliament to
lift a two-term presidential limit and allow him to seek re-election after
10 years in power.

His efforts failed, and Levy Mwanawasa, who has since made a drive against
corruption the focus of his government, was elected.

Mr. Chiluba went to court in July and won an order suspending the
Parliament's decision until it is reviewed by the courts.

In July, President Mwanawasa listed in Parliament a series of what he
called questionable or corrupt deals ordered or approved by Mr. Chiluba.
The accusations have led to the resignation of the chief justice and the
foreign affairs minister.

Mr. Chiluba has denied the accusations, saying he is a victim of a
political vendetta.