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» 2009-12-17 «

Commissioner Concerned

The Commission has noticed with concern the increasing cases of high level white collar crimes by people both in the private and public sectors, thereby by posing a serious threat to the economy of the country. However, in the first quarter of this year, the Commission successfully managed to intercept close to four billion kwacha which launderers wanted to launder from both private and public institutions and in connection with the same monies, 18 people were arrested representing a record of 100% arrests as compared to the same period last year where 9 people were arrested Additionally, the Commission has seized various properties in form of houses and vehicles from the arrested individuals, however, the value of these properties are yet to be evaluated by a government valuator. The Commission has also managed to seize over 26 tonnes of cannabis from January 2009 to 31st March 2009. This figure represents an increase of 86 % in cannabis seizures as compared to the same period last where 14 tonnes was seized. In the same period this year, 606 people were arrested for various drug trafficking offences representing an increase of 8.6 % as compared to the same period last where 558 people were arrested. Majority of those arrested are peasant farmers, with Lusaka recording the highest number of arrests followed by Copperbelt province. However, Southern province recorded the highest figure of about nine tonnes of cannabis seizures which were both fresh and loose. The Commission is determined to create a drug and money laundering free environment for the betterment of this country and posterity. In this regard, we wish to appeal to all the responsible citizens of this country to report all suspected drug and money laundering activities to the Commission. John Nyawali Public Relations and Press Liaison Officer Drug Enforcement Commission