MAJOR OPERATION LEADS TO ARREST OF TEN, INCLUDING FOREIGN NATIONALS AND ZAMBIAN CITIZEN, WITH SEIZURE OF OVER $5 MILLION CASH AND 600 GOLD PIECES

In a highly significant operation, authorities have apprehended ten individuals, consisting of nine foreign nationals and one Zambian citizen. Their arrest follows their alleged involvement in a case involving the confiscation of a substantial sum exceeding $5 million in cash, alongside a notable collection of more than 600 gold pieces.

This operation has also resulted in the confiscation of firearms and the grounding of two aircraft. The Director General of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Nason Banda, unveiled these developments during a press conference held in Lusaka earlier today.

“Based on information received, a chartered aircraft suspected of carrying illicit goods had landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on August 13th, 2023, at 19:00 hours. Responding swiftly to this intelligence, the DEC, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, launched an operation on Monday, August 14th, 2023, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport,” he explained.

Mr. Banda further conveyed that the commission had successfully seized the Global Express T7-WW aircraft, which was allegedly transporting the illicit items. Additionally, another aircraft belonging to a local airline, identified as a King Air B190, was also impounded.

He stated that a total of ten suspects, including a Zambian citizen, are presently in detention as the investigation progresses.

When questioned about the political affiliations of the detained Zambian individual, Mr. Banda refrained from providing explicit details but underscored that the individual is unequivocally of Zambian nationality.