The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka has arrested and jointly charged 10 people, among them interpreters and clerks of the courts in connection with the cocaine that went missing from the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court strongroom.

DEC deputy public relations officer Kamufisa Manchishi disclosed this in a statement, Friday, and clarified that that the case involving the theft of drugs was being handled by the Police while DEC’s involvement was to the extent of drug trafficking.

“DEC has arrested and jointly charged 10 people for trafficking in 80.11 grams of cocaine, contrary to the laws of Zambia. The suspects are identified as Eric Chipango, 49, a businessman of Makeni Villa, Emmanuel Chirwa, 30, a court interpreter of George compound, Bearvan Mengo, 33, a court interpreter, Mathews Mkanda, 29, a court interpreter of Kabwata township, Victor Nzaila, 31, a court interpreter of Ibex Area, Florence Chiluba Mushoka, a court interpreter of Chalala area and Obrian Muyunda, 29, a court interpreter of Lusaka-West. Others include Didie Kangwa, 39, a senior court clerk of Kalingalinga compound, Charles Nkhuwa, 44, a businessman of Zingalume compound and Emmanuel Chimba, 32, a businessman of Zingalume compound,” stated Manchishi.

“One of the suspects, Emmanuel Chimba, 32, a businessman of Zingalume compound has been slapped with an additional charge of trafficking in 1.5 grams of cocaine and being in possession of proceeds of crime, contrary to the laws of Zambia. The suspects are in police custody and will appear in court soon. It should be noted that the case involving theft of drugs is under the Police and the DEC’s involvement is to the extent of drug trafficking.”