THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested a 17-year-old boy of Chirundu District and five others for trafficking in 300 sachets of heroin.

DEC public relations officer Theresa Katongo stated that the 17-year-old boy was a Grade 10 pupil of a named school in Chirundu and was arrested for trafficking in 53 sachets of heroin.

“The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested a 17-year-old boy of Chirundu and five others for trafficking in 300 sachets of heroin. The 17-year-old boy, and also a grade 10 pupil of a named school in Chirundu, has been arrested for trafficking in 53 sachets of heroin. Also arrested and jointly-charged is Keagan Chikonga, 24, and Edward Mweetwa, 20, for trafficking in 206 sachets of heroin and nine pre-packs of loose cannabis. Others arrested include, Jeff Mwiinga, 27, Concealia Musonda, 23, and Joseph Ngandu for trafficking in 41 sachets of heroin,” narrated Katongo in a statement.

“The six were apprehended from Gabon compound in Chirundu during a joint operation with the Zambia Police Service. Arrangements are being made for the suspects to appear before court. The Commission is concerned with the growing number of young people engaging in drug trafficking and abuse. We wish to urge parents, guardians and other community groupings to take interest in the welfare of young people by seeking help from the DEC when they notice any change in behaviour of their children, which may be as a result of drug abuse and trafficking. The DEC offers free counselling services and works closely with other service providers in offering help to drug abusers.”