PRIVATE PLANE SEIZED IN ZAMBIA WITH MILLIONS IN CASH, GOLD, AND WEAPONS, DETENTIONS MADE
A PRIVATE aircraft transporting a substantial cache of assets, including $5.6 million in cash, 602 pieces of gold, and five pistols with 126 rounds of ammunition, was seized by Zambian authorities on Tuesday. The seizure led to the apprehension of ten individuals of different nationalities, including a Zambian, six Egyptians, a Dutch citizen, a Spaniard, and a Latvian. The detainees are under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Commission reports africanbriefing
Speaking to journalists in the capital city of Lusaka, Director General Nason Banda of the Drug Enforcement Commission revealed key details of the operation. The chartered plane, originating from Cairo, Egypt, was found to be carrying what Banda described as ‘dangerous goods.’ The aircraft landed at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka at approximately 7 p.m. local time on Monday.
Banda provided additional insight into the operation, stating, ‘Acting on this information, we together with officers from various law enforcement agencies, conducted an operation which resulted in the seizure of $5.7 million, five pistols, seven magazines (for ammunition loading), 126 rounds of ammunition, 602 pieces of gold weighing 127.2 kilograms (280 pounds) and gold measuring equipment.’
Both the aircraft containing the seized items and another aircraft belonging to a local airline have been taken impounded.
Regarding the funds confiscated, Banda explained that the money has been placed in the safekeeping of the Bank of Zambia. The investigation into the matter is ongoing as authorities delve deeper into the origins and intended purposes of the seized assets.
The incident has sent ripples through Zambia, prompting speculation about the connections between the detained individuals, the source of the assets, and potential criminal activities. As the Drug Enforcement Commission continues its investigation, the nation awaits further information about the origins and implications of the seized items.
SOURCE: AFRICAN BRIEFING
