Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 16th May, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has scored big wins against organized crime this week, arresting two suspects in connection with counterfeit money and drug trafficking.
In Chipata District, Eastern Province, DEC officers apprehended Hamusonde Fuehrer, a 62 year old resident of the Hillview area, in connection with the possession of counterfeit Zambian Kwacha amounting to K280,000. The forged notes were in K500 denominations, signaling a deliberate attempt to circulate fake currency into local markets, particularly targeting unsuspecting farmers during the harvest season.
The Commission has since issued a public advisory, urging farmers and business operators to exercise heightened vigilance when transacting with unregistered or informal buyers, commonly referred to as “briefcase business persons.” This warning comes in light of increased incidents of counterfeit money being used to exploit agricultural producers during peak trading periods.
In a separate but coordinated operation, DEC teams from Kitwe and Lusaka apprehended Khadija Mingel, a 36 year old female suspect, for trafficking 25 pellets of cocaine, weighing approximately 500 grammes. The illicit substances were discovered concealed in a Toyota Mark X, which has since been impounded. Mingel, known to authorities as a suspected drug supplier across the Copperbelt and North Western Provinces, had been on the DEC watchlist prior to her arrest.
Speaking on the developments, the DEC emphasized its commitment to dismantling criminal networks through strategic, intelligence led operations. The Commission reaffirmed its stance that perpetrators of illicit activities will face the full force of the law.
“The Commission is deploying a multifaceted strategy to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises involved in drug trafficking and financial crimes. These arrests demonstrate our resolve to protect the integrity of our economy and safeguard the well being of our communities,” read the statement.
The DEC has further appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities, reinforcing that community cooperation is a vital component in the fight against crime.
The Agency.