DEC, Police nab 13 over drug trafficking

—–The Joint Investigation Team compromising of the Police and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Chipata district in Eastern province have arrested 13 people in connection with drug trafficking.

And there was confusion at Chipata Central Police station this morning when a group of people protested against the arrest of their friends.

The unruly group comprising of mainly youths blocked the road leading to the Police station while others matched to the DEC offices to demand for the release of their colleagues. 

The Police had a tough time to control the youths who hauled insults on them and threatened to take the law in to their own hands.

But quick action by the Police managed to control the situation and some people have since been arrested and charged with riotous behaviour.

And when contacted for a comment Eastern province Police Commissioner Grace Chipalila confirmed the arrest of the 13 men in connection with drug trafficking.

Ms Chipalila said the 13 who were found with 198 balls of Marijuana were arrested in Navutika compound over the weekend.  

She explained that the suspects were arrested after a tip of from some members of the public, adding that the 13 will be appearing in court today.

And Ms Chipalila has warned people trying to cause confusion over the arrest of their colleagues that Police will not relent in ensuring that there is law and order in the district.

She noted that those planning to demonstrate and cause lawlessness will be met and be dealt with accordingly.

Meanwhile, Ms Chipalila has appeared to members of the public to assist the Police with information on the whereabouts of a dangerous gang terrorising residents of Bombay and Kanjala areas.

She explained that the gang which last week broke in to Parmalat stores and stole about K7,000 has continued to attack several houses in the two areas.

The Police Commissioner disclosed that over the weekend the suspected criminals attacked the family of an Asian origin and where the father and son were injured in the process but nothing was stolen.

She has since appealed to people with information on the suspected criminals to help the Police in bring to book such dangerous people.