The Drug Enforcement Commission in Lusaka has arrested a prominent businessman for trafficking in 17 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing a total of 35.7 Kilogrammes.

According to a statement issued by DEC deputy public relations officer Kamufisa Manchishi today, 42-year-old Joshua Mwenya Mumpansha, who is a prominent businessman of Lusaka’s Roma Township has been charged with trafficking in psychotropic substances and unlawful use of a motor vehicle contrary to the laws of Zambia.

The suspect was intercepted in Lusaka’s Emmasdale area after a transaction involving the contraband which is believed to be coming from Malawi in transit to South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Commission in Muchinga Province arrested two businesswomen for trafficking in Mirra, a plant abused for its stimulant effect.

26-year-old Mercy Namukoko, a businesswoman of Nabuluma area in Chinsali has been jointly charged with Charity Mumba, 30, a businesswoman of Fimbila Compound in Kapiri Mposhi District for trafficking in 126 bundles of Mirra weighing 41.98 kilogrammes. The duo was intercepted at a Police checkpoint in Mpika aboard a Ndola-bound bus.

“The Commission wishes to warn members of the public to desist from illegal vices and avoid being used as couriers in the trafficking of psychotropic substances prohibited under the Narcotic and Pyschotropic Substances Act, Cap 96 of the Laws of Zambia as the Commission will not relent in its effort to rid the society of illicit drugs,” stated Manchishi.

The suspect is in Police custody and will appear in court soon.