The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) confirmed on Tuesday that Muharram, 40, who has been on its watchlist for years, was apprehended during coordinated raids across the capital, according to BBC.
Zambian anti-narcotics operatives have arrested a “notorious” Tanzanian drug-trafficking kingpin, Ahmed Muharram, in a major intelligence-led crackdown that uncovered more than 1.3 tonnes of cannabis and large quantities of codeine-laced cough syrup in Lusaka.
The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) confirmed on Tuesday that Muharram, 40, who has been on its watchlist for years, was apprehended during coordinated raids across the capital, according to BBC.
According to the agency, operatives first intercepted a lorry in Lusaka’s Lilayi area, where 221.2 kilogrammes of cannabis were discovered hidden inside the vehicle, some concealed in lorry wheels.
A follow-up search at Muharram’s residence in the same area reportedly yielded an additional 1,159.6 kilogrammes of what authorities described as “high-grade” cannabis.
The seizures brought the total haul linked to the suspect to 1,380.8 kilogrammes.
“The suspect is a known transnational drug trafficker,” the DEC said in a statement, stressing that the arrest was the result of sustained intelligence operations targeting organised drug networks operating across borders.
A Zambian national was also arrested and is believed to be an accomplice in the trafficking ring.
In a related sweep, the commission announced several other arrests across the country, including a Zambian national caught trafficking 55 boxes of Benylin cough syrup containing codeine in Lusaka. Two other Zambians were arrested for transporting cannabis concealed inside their vehicle.
In the southern border district of Chirundu, two Burundian nationals were picked up in separate operations. Authorities said the suspects hid cannabis in spare lorry tyres, gas compressors, and even mixed the drug with sugar, salt and paint before concealing it inside tins and buckets of paint.
Under Zambian law, marijuana is classified as a dangerous drug, with trafficking, possession and use punishable by fines or prison terms. Zambia continues to battle drug abuse and trafficking, particularly involving cannabis and heroin.
“All suspects are currently in lawful custody and will appear in court soon,” the DEC said, adding that it remains determined to ensure Zambia is neither a transit corridor nor a destination for illicit drugs.