In brief
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Zambian authorities have arrested Ahmed Muharram, a prominent Tanzanian drug trafficker, during a recent operation in Lusaka. The raid led to the confiscation of over 1,300 kg of cannabis, highlighting ongoing challenges in combatting drug abuse and trafficking in Zambia.
A notorious Tanzanian drug-trafficking kingpin has been arrested in Zambia during a raid, the Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has announced.
Ahmed Muharram was among several suspects detained in Zambia's capital, Lusaka, along with large quantities of marijuana and cough syrup containing codeine in several drug busts on Tuesday, the authorities said.
The suspect is a known transnational drug trafficker, the DEC said, adding that the 40-year-old had long been on the anti-drug agency's watch-list.
The arrest of Muharram was made possible thanks to a series of intelligence-led operations, the agency reported.
Under Zambian law, marijuana is classed as a dangerous drug and is illegal to possess. The trafficking, possession, and use of illegal drugs such as cannabis is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence. The southern African country struggles with drug abuse and trafficking, especially cannabis and heroin.
During Tuesday's operations, the DEC said it had seized 221.2 kg of cannabis hidden in a lorry in Lusaka's Lilayi area. The search was extended to Muharram's residence in Lilayi, where officers discovered an additional 1,159.6 kg of high-grade cannabis, bringing the total seizure to 1,380.8 kg.
A Zambian national who was also arrested is believed to be an accomplice in the organized drug-trafficking scheme.
The DEC also reported several other arrests, including individuals trafficking cannabis and codeine-containing syrups. All suspects have been detained in lawful custody and will appear in court soon.
The agency confirmed its commitment to ensuring that Zambia is neither used as a corridor nor a destination for drug trafficking.
