Zambian authorities have arrested a “notorious” Tanzanian drug-trafficking kingpin during a coordinated raid in the capital, Lusaka, according to the Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
The suspect, Ahmed Muharram, was taken into custody alongside several others during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out on Tuesday. Large quantities of marijuana and codeine-based cough syrup were also seized in multiple drug busts across the city.
“The suspect is a known transnational drug trafficker,” the DEC said, noting that the 40-year-old had been on the agency’s watch list for a long time.
Authorities said the arrest was the result of sustained surveillance and targeted intelligence gathering. Muharram has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.
During the operation, DEC officers intercepted a lorry in Lusaka’s Lilayi area, uncovering 221.2kg of cannabis concealed inside the vehicle. The investigation was later expanded to Muharram’s residence in the same area.
A search of the property led to the discovery of an additional 1,159.6kg of “high-grade” cannabis, bringing the total amount seized to 1,380.8kg, the agency confirmed. A Zambian national arrested at the scene is believed to be an accomplice in the organised trafficking network.
The DEC said the wider operation also resulted in several other arrests, including:
- A Zambian national caught trafficking 55 boxes of Benylin cough syrup containing codeine in Lusaka
- Two Zambians arrested for transporting cannabis hidden inside their vehicle
- Two Burundian nationals detained in Chirundu district for trafficking cannabis in separate vehicles
According to the agency, the Burundian suspects used elaborate concealment methods, hiding drugs inside a spare lorry tyre and gas compressors. Additional cannabis was reportedly mixed with sugar, salt and paint, then hidden in tins and buckets of paint.
Under Zambian law, marijuana is classified as a dangerous drug, and its possession, use or trafficking is illegal. Offenders face fines or prison sentences upon conviction.
Zambia continues to grapple with drug abuse and cross-border trafficking, particularly involving cannabis and heroin, prompting intensified enforcement efforts by authorities.
“All suspects have since been detained in lawful custody and will appear in court soon,” the DEC said in a statement.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Zambia from being used either as a transit route or final destination for illegal drugs, stressing that intelligence-driven operations would continue across the country.
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