Pubdate: Fri, 28 May 2004
Source: Times Of Zambia (Zambia)
Copyright: 2004 Times Of Zambia
Contact:  http://www.times.co.zm/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2871

THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION (DEC) IN LUSAKA HAS ARRESTED FOUR SOMALI 
NATIONALS FOR TRAFFICKING IN PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES

DEC public relations officer Betty Mumba said in Lusaka yesterday that the 
four Somalis, were picked up for trafficking in 2.4 kg of the drug called 
khat, popularly known as miraa.

Ms Mumba said that those arrested included a 42-year old house owner, a 
45-year-old transporter, a businessman and a driver aged 34 and 36 years 
respectively.

She warned foreign nationals to respect the laws of the country and stop 
engaging in illegal trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic 
substances.

"Foreign nationals in Zambia, should seek guidance on what type of drugs 
are allowed to be consumed in Zambia," she said.

And in Mazabuka, the Commission arrested three peasant farmers for 
cultivating cannabis.

The DEC spokesperson said that the three suspects, all from Chief 
Naluwama's area, had allegedly cultivated 44 kg of cannabis.

Ms Mumba appealed to Zambian farmers to stop cultivating the prohibited 
drugs and instead concentrate on growing food and cash crops to help the 
nation attain food security and revenue.

She said that all the six suspects would appear in courts of law soon. 
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