Drug Enforcement Commission

The Drug Enforcement Commission is a Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs established to prevent and control illegal cultivation, production, trafficking and abuse of Narcotic drugs, Psychotropic substances and Money laundering activities in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of Zambia.

Based in Lusaka, Zambia, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was established in 1995. It is a government agency that falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is in charge of preventing and reining in drug-related crimes across the nation. The commission is in charge of identifying drug offences, conducting investigations, bringing cases against offenders, and seizing illegal drugs and other contraband.

To combat the drug trade in Zambia, the DEC collaborates with law enforcement, international organisations, other governmental agencies, and the general public. Disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that traffic in illegal drugs is the main goal of its investigations. Additionally, it aims to increase public awareness and lessen youth participation in illegal and drug-related activities.

By seizing significant amounts of drugs and detaining numerous participants, the DEC has been successful in shutting down numerous drug trafficking operations. Through the creation of educational pamphlets and school-based programmes, it has raised public awareness of drug offences. Even drug courts have been established by the commission to guarantee just and efficient law enforcement.

In Zambia, the DEC has a distinguished record of successfully battling drug-related crime, and it continues to be a pioneer in the war against illicit drugs.