A popular Zambian musician is in the hands of the Drug Enforcement Commission. News Diggers and the Zambian Observer report that the DEC announced on Thursday 22 October the arrest of Edward Chanda, 28, a resident of Meanwood in Lusaka who performs as Chanda and is one half of the duo Chanda na Kay, for the alleged trafficking of 30.3 grammes of dry loose cannabis.
The announcement came from the commission's public relations officer, Allan Tamba. The Observer, carrying a Sun FM report, quotes his statement as describing the suspect as "the 28-year-old musician, popularly known by his stage name CHANDA, is a resident of Meanwood in Lusaka". Both outlets report that Mr Tamba placed the arrest within what he called intelligence-led operations targeting drug trafficking networks in Lusaka, Muchinga and Southern provinces, which he said had produced several arrests and significant seizures. News Diggers reports that the same statement announced the arrest of a 22-year-old man described by the commission as a suspected trafficking kingpin known as "Ghost".
An allegation, not a conviction
The commission's statement describes the allegation as trafficking. What the statement, as reported, does not say is when Mr Chanda will appear in court, whether he has been released on bond, or what he says about the allegation. Neither outlet reported a response from him or his management by Thursday evening. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The arrest is not his first encounter with the authorities this year. News Diggers reports that Mr Chanda was arrested earlier in 2026 on charges of child trafficking and child grooming, and that he pleaded not guilty to those charges. That case is separate from the DEC's allegation and its status was not reported on Thursday.
Confirmed vs. alleged
Confirmed: That the DEC announced on Thursday 22 October the arrest of Edward Chanda, 28, for alleged trafficking of 30.3 grammes of cannabis, as part of operations in Lusaka, Muchinga and Southern provinces — reported by News Diggers and the Zambian Observer from the commission's statement.
Alleged or unverified: Any account of events from Mr Chanda himself; the date of any court appearance; whether he is on bond; and the current status of the earlier, separate case in which he pleaded not guilty.
Sources: News Diggers, “DEC nabs Chanda of 'Chanda na Kay' for drug trafficking” (22 Oct 2026); Zambian Observer, “DEC Arrests Popular Zambian Musician Chanda for allegedly trafficking 30.3 grammes of dry cannabis” (22 Oct 2026).