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Zambian Police Arrests 10 Drug Traffickers

Posted on: Friday, 24 February 2006, 09:00 CST

Zambian police arrests 10 drug traffickers

LUSAKA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's drug enforcement officers have arrested 10 locals for trafficking in cannabis and seized two tons of the psychotropic substance.

Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) spokesman Rosten Chulu confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday the arrest of the Zambians, most of whom are peasant farmers in rural areas.

"All the 10 suspects will appear in court soon," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Chulu was quoted by Zambia News and Information Services as saying the drug officers have uprooted 825 kg of cannabis in a village in Central province. The suspects have however fled.

He said the police had launched a manhunt to try to bring those drug traffickers to book.

"The commission continues to advise peasant farmers to grow legal cash crops that will enhance the food security of the nation and not psychotropic substances," the spokesman said.

Drug trafficking, cannabis in particular, is frequently seen in the poor southern African country and DEC has since stepped up efforts in cracking down on the crimes.

Just a week ago, DEC uprooted more than nine tons of cannabis discovered in a field in the country's Western province.

Fueled by rapid urbanization and economic hardships, drug trafficking has increased substantially, luring some Zambians in search of quick money.

Cannabis, grown in the country, tops the list of illicit drugs. Other drugs that have emerged on the Zambian market include heroin, hashish, cocaine and mandrax.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

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