The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has intensified its countrywide crusade against financial crimes in order to protect Zambia’s economic development.

In a recent development in Kapiri Mposhi District in Central Province, the Commission has formally charged and arrested two persons for being found with 7 x K20 and 79 x K200 counterfeit notes, thereby amounting to a combined total of K15,940 worth of counterfeit currency. The said suspects, identified as Patrick Mwansa, male aged 28 and Bertha Sinaipa, female aged 18, were apprehended as they attempted to effect a deposit of the said funds at a named facility within the District. Upon interrogation, Mwansa led officers to a rented shop in Kawama Compound, where the counterfeit notes were alleged to have been manufactured. When officers searched the mentioned shop, a computer and a printer reportedly used for the production of counterfeit currency were seized for further forensic analysis. Officers also discovered a fake Bank of Zambia Identify Card which the suspects were using to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, 11th April 2026, the Commission received information that there were some persons who were trying to deposit K5,000 counterfeit currency notes at a Mobile Booth at Kalukungu Market in Choma District in Southern Province. However, upon realizing that the money was fake, the owner of the targeted Booth intelligently mobilised members of the public and conducted a citizens’ “arrest” on one of the suspects, who was later led to the nearest Police Station. Upon being searched at the police station, the suspect, who later came to be known as Conticious Baldwin Kapopwe, male aged 30, was found with an additional amount of K3,600 counterfeit notes in one of the pockets of his pair of trousers, thereby bringing the total to K8,600. The said notes were in K200 bills, all bearing the same serial number being AD3736141.

On Monday, 13th April 2026, investigations were later extended to Makalanguzu Market, where one more person identified as Kennedy Popota, male aged 59, was found with K1,150 counterfeit notes. Out of this amount, five notes were in K200 bills bearing the same serial number as the one found with Kapopwe, while one K100 bill and K50 notes with serial number AC6551810 and AE2787031, respectively, were seized. A combined total of K9,750 counterfeit currency has been seized in connection with the matter.

All the suspects are currently detained in lawful custody, pending court processes.

Members of the public are hereby urged to be on high alert and to carefully examine currencies before engaging in financial transactions.

The Commission wishes to warn unscrupulous persons engaging in unlawful financial practices that the long arm of the law will visit them shortly and they will be prosecuted accordingly.

Citizens are further encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activities to the Commission so that by acting together, we can protect our nation and create communities which are free from financial crimes.