Police in Chingola have arrested and detained nine people for assembling with intent to smuggle mealie meal to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Police have since impounded four trucks loaded with 2,900 bags of mealie meal destined for DRC.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga confirmed the development to News Diggers!

“Be informed that the check point mounted to prevent smuggling of mealie meal into the DRC impounded four trucks at around 22:00hrs on January 11,2019 with the following details: 1. Scania, yellow, registration number ALT 1297 carrying 700 bags of mealie meal driven by Simata Kayama, aged 30, of H/No NE4 Mupundu Street, Nchanga North – Chingola. 2. Volvo, white, registration number AGB 6568 ZM carrying 800 bags of mealie meal driven by Mufunte Kenny, aged 50, of H/No. 37 Isunge Road, Chiwempala – Chingola. 3. Scania, white, registration number BAE 8120, carrying 700 bags of mealie meal driven by Maidon Samakayi, aged 26, of H/No. 6118 off Dag Hammarskjöld, Riverside – Chingola. 4. Volvo, white, registration number AJE 1738 carrying 700 bags of mealie meal driven by Moses Simukoko, aged 34, of H/No. PB08 Mine Police Nchanga North – Chingola,” Katanga said.

“Àlso apprehended were; Mukuka Mutale, 29 of Masala Ndola, Chomba Nkonkola, 28 of Lubengele Chililabombwe, Emmanuel Kabala, 48 of Lubengele Chililabombwe, Kelvin Chishala, 30 of Simulungushi Chingola, Andrew Mpashi, 25 of Kasumbalesa, David Phiri, 36 of Chiwala Chingola, Mulenga Alinani, 17 of Kamba Drive Chingola, Proud Musonda, 25 of Nyati Chingola and Kent Muonga, 43 of Chikola Chingola.”

She said Kent was found with K60, 000 and a pistol.

“Kent was driving a Toyota Allion, silver, reg BCB 4138ZM and was found with K60,000.00 and a black Tauros pistol 9mm serial number TLP06511 with five rounds of ammunitions. All vehicles have since been impounded and taken to Kitwe Central while all suspects detained for Assembling with Intent to smuggle,” said Katanga.