THE announcement by Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) that it recorded an all-time high seizure of illegal and controlled drugs in 2025 is both a commendable achievement and a sobering warning.
While the figures demonstrate the commission’s operational reach, they also reveal the scale of the challenge Zambia faces in preventing itself from sliding into a hub of drug trafficking and money laundering.
Over 1,800 tons of illegal and controlled substances were seized last year, representing a staggering 4,000 percent increase compared to 2024. Among the confiscated items were cannabis plants, seeds, processed cannabis, Miraa, codeine-based medicines, and even cocaine.
The largest haul—over 1,500 tonnes of cannabis plants—was discovered in Chifwema, Kafue
District. These numbers are unprecedented in the history of the commission since its establishment in 1989.
On the surface, such seizures may appear to be a victory. They show that DEC is working, that communities are co-operating, and that cartels are being disrupted.
But beneath the statistics lies a troubling reality: the sheer volume of drugs intercepted suggests that Zambia is increasingly being targeted by traffickers as a transit point and potential hub.
If unchecked, this trend could erode governance, destabilise the economy, and corrode the moral fabric of society.
Drug trafficking is not merely a criminal enterprise. It is a corrosive force that undermines institutions.
It distorts legitimate economic activity by creating parallel economies that thrive on illegality.
Money laundering, which often accompanies trafficking, infiltrates the financial system, eroding its integrity and weakening regulatory oversight. When illicit funds flow unchecked, they compromise accountability, fuel corruption, and diminish public trust in governance.
The impact on governance is profound. Drug cartels, with their vast resources, can infiltrate political and administrative structures, influencing decisions and weakening enforcement. They thrive in environments where oversight is lax and institutions are vulnerable.
If Zambia allows this menace to grow unchecked, the consequences will be dire: compromised leadership, weakened rule of law, and a society where criminal networks wield more influence than legitimate authorities.
DEC’s record seizures must, therefore, be seen as a wake-up call.
The commission has demonstrated capacity, but it must now up its game. Enhanced operations must be matched with stronger intelligence gathering, better coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and deeper collaboration with regional and international partners.
Drug trafficking is rarely confined within borders; Zambia’s location makes it susceptible to being used as a transit corridor for regional and global networks.
Equally important is the need to strengthen the judicial process.
Thousands of cases remain pending in courts, blunting the deterrent effect of arrests. Swift and transparent prosecutions, consistent convictions, and meaningful sentences are essential to send a clear message that Zambia will not tolerate drug trafficking. Without judicial efficiency, enforcement risks becoming a revolving door of arrests without accountability.
Community engagement must also be deepened. Mr Banda rightly noted that the public no longer views DEC’s work as witch-hunting. This trust must be nurtured. Citizens must be empowered to report suspicious activities, and awareness campaigns should highlight the dangers of drugs not only to individuals but to the nation’s governance and development.
The forfeiture of helicopters, vehicles, and properties linked to trafficking networks is encouraging. It shows that DEC is targeting not just individuals but the infrastructure of cartels.
This approach must be sustained and expanded. By dismantling the financial and logistical bases of traffickers, Zambia can weaken their ability to regenerate.
Ultimately, Zambia’s fight against drug trafficking is about safeguarding governance. It is about protecting the integrity of institutions, ensuring that the financial system remains credible, and preserving the nation’s development trajectory. The record seizures of 2025 are a stark reminder that the threat is real and growing.
DEC must step up to shield Zambia
THE announcement by Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) that it recorded an all-time high seizure of illegal and controlled drugs in 2025 is both a commendable achievement and a sobering warning.
While the figures demonstrate the commission’s operational reach, they also reveal the scale of the challenge Zambia faces in preventing itself from sliding into a hub of drug trafficking and money laundering.
Over 1,800 tons of illegal and controlled substances were seized last year, representing a staggering 4,000 percent increase compared to 2024. Among the confiscated items were cannabis plants, seeds, processed cannabis, Miraa, codeine-based medicines, and even cocaine.
The largest haul—over 1,500 tonnes of cannabis plants—was discovered in Chifwema, Kafue
District. These numbers are unprecedented in the history of the commission since its establishment in 1989.
On the surface, such seizures may appear to be a victory. They show that DEC is working, that communities are co-operating, and that cartels are being disrupted.
But beneath the statistics lies a troubling reality: the sheer volume of drugs intercepted suggests that Zambia is increasingly being targeted by traffickers as a transit point and potential hub.
If unchecked, this trend could erode governance, destabilise the economy, and corrode the moral fabric of society.
Drug trafficking is not merely a criminal enterprise. It is a corrosive force that undermines institutions.
It distorts legitimate economic activity by creating parallel economies that thrive on illegality.
Money laundering, which often accompanies trafficking, infiltrates the financial system, eroding its integrity and weakening regulatory oversight. When illicit funds flow unchecked, they compromise accountability, fuel corruption, and diminish public trust in governance.
The impact on governance is profound. Drug cartels, with their vast resources, can infiltrate political and administrative structures, influencing decisions and weakening enforcement. They thrive in environments where oversight is lax and institutions are vulnerable.
If Zambia allows this menace to grow unchecked, the consequences will be dire: compromised leadership, weakened rule of law, and a society where criminal networks wield more influence than legitimate authorities.
DEC’s record seizures must, therefore, be seen as a wake-up call.
The commission has demonstrated capacity, but it must now up its game. Enhanced operations must be matched with stronger intelligence gathering, better coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and deeper collaboration with regional and international partners.
Drug trafficking is rarely confined within borders; Zambia’s location makes it susceptible to being used as a transit corridor for regional and global networks.
Equally important is the need to strengthen the judicial process.
Thousands of cases remain pending in courts, blunting the deterrent effect of arrests. Swift and transparent prosecutions, consistent convictions, and meaningful sentences are essential to send a clear message that Zambia will not tolerate drug trafficking. Without judicial efficiency, enforcement risks becoming a revolving door of arrests without accountability.
Community engagement must also be deepened. Mr Banda rightly noted that the public no longer views DEC’s work as witch-hunting. This trust must be nurtured. Citizens must be empowered to report suspicious activities, and awareness campaigns should highlight the dangers of drugs not only to individuals but to the nation’s governance and development.
The forfeiture of helicopters, vehicles, and properties linked to trafficking networks is encouraging. It shows that DEC is targeting not just individuals but the infrastructure of cartels.
This approach must be sustained and expanded. By dismantling the financial and logistical bases of traffickers, Zambia can weaken their ability to regenerate.
Ultimately, Zambia’s fight against drug trafficking is about safeguarding governance. It is about protecting the integrity of institutions, ensuring that the financial system remains credible, and preserving the nation’s development trajectory. The record seizures of 2025 are a stark reminder that the threat is real and growing.