LUSAKA, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. In a sweeping operation, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has apprehended four Food Reserve Agency (FRA) officials in Mwinilunga District for alleged involvement in theft and money laundering, alongside the capture of two infamous drug dealers in the Copperbelt Province.
The FRA employees, arrested at Mwinilunga Main Depot, have been identified as King Luninga, 43, a Marketing Assistant; Happy Mwansa, 42, a Warehouse Supervisor; Bob Musukwa, 39, a Commodity Checker; and Kapasa Makungu, 37, a Data Entry Supervisor. The quartet faces charges of theft by public servant and money laundering. Investigations revealed that between January 2020 and May 2024, the suspects stole 4,351 50kg bags of white maize, valued at K1,740,000.00. The theft was uncovered during a Special Stock Reconciliation and Verification Audit at the depot.
As part of the probe, two vehicles—a Toyota Noah from Luninga and a Toyota Chaser from Musukwa—were seized. The suspects are currently on police bond pending their court appearance.
In a parallel operation on the Copperbelt, DEC agents arrested two notorious drug dealers in Ndola. Thomas Machokoto, 21, and Michael Ngupeni, 20, known on the streets as “Mafia” and “Bob,” respectively, were caught with 570 sachets of high-grade cannabis, known as “South African cheese,” weighing 3.4 kilograms. The drugs were found in Mushili-Bonano Township.
The duo, part of a larger cartel, has been distributing high-grade cannabis and other illicit substances throughout Ndola. A black Toyota Funcargo used to conceal the drugs was also seized. Both suspects are now in custody awaiting court proceedings.
The DEC’s recent efforts underscore a significant triumph against money laundering and drug trafficking, crimes that threaten Zambia’s economic stability and public safety. By targeting financial crimes within public institutions and breaking up drug networks, the DEC reaffirms its stance against illicit activities. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to help create a safer, more prosperous Zambia free from corruption and drug-related offenses.
This information was released in a statement by Allan Tamba, Public Relations Officer at the Drug Enforcement Commission.
