24.1 kilograms of seized cocaine “disappears” from secure stores at Lusaka Magistrate Court

ZAMBIAN investigators have launched an inquiry after more than 24 kilograms of seized cocaine, which was part of other exhibits in an active case, went missing from the secure stores at the Lusaka Magistrate Court.The disappearance was reported by the Judiciary and an investigation was immediately launched.In 2016, the DEC recorded its highest seizure of cocaine following the arrest of Sydney Mwansa, 34, an Assistant Manager of Taqua Bus Services of Tanzania; Likuta Shaibu Abilahi, 44, a Tanzanian of Mbagra in Dar-es-Salaam and Teddy Matanda, 37, a Taxi Driver of Lusaka’s Matero area.The suspects were arrested and jointly charged for trafficking in 24 packets of cocaine weighing 24.1kg.However, when the matter came up for continued trial before Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Kenneth Mulife, it emerged that the seized drugs had gone missing.Meanwhile, security wings investigating the missing cocaine have so far arrested about 10 court officials to help with the Investigations.And the Drug Enforcement Commission said it is the Commission’s mandate to investigate such a case without fear or favour, including summoning any officers connected to the alleged theft in order for them to be cleared or eventually arrested and presented to court according to law.The commission in its latest statement further said it will only issue full information in conjunction with the relevant security wings involved once investigations are completed in order to avoid jeopardizing the case. Post Views: 3,479