Thursday, August 09, 2007

(BBC) Zambian anti-drug chief suspended

Zambian anti-drug chief suspended
President Levy Mwanawasa in 2006

President Mwanawasa has made fighting corruption a key policy
Zambia's President Levy Mwanawasa has suspended the head of the country's anti-drug unit for alleged abuse of office.

A presidential spokesman said Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) head Ryan Chitoba had been suspended to allow for a smooth investigation.

Mr Chitoba allegedly misappropriated funds recovered from criminals. He has not commented on the claims.

He is the latest senior official in Zambia to face charges of corruption.

A statement by Mr Mwanawasa's aide, John Musukuma, quoted the president in a letter to Mr Chitoba.

"To facilitate the completion of these allegations, or should it be decided to charge you in a court of law, I am suspending you from exercising your functions... with immediate effect," it said.

President Mwanawasa, who took office in 2002, has made the fight against corruption a key policy of his government.

Opposition parties, however, accuse him of not being firm enough on corruption in his own administration.

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