Police in Mzuzu have on Tuesday, arrested 13 suspects for being found in possession of petroleum products without license and other offences.

Assistant Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police Station, Sergeant Edson Chipeni, says the suspects were arrested during a simultaneous intelligence driven operation, aimed at curbing criminal activities in the city.

According to Chipeni, among those arrested, Jayson Kaziputa, 30, Princes Mkandawire, 20, Moses Mwale, 35, Priscah Kamanga, 30, Hastings Mastala, 30, Mac zero Mkandawire, 28 and Austin Chisiza, 29, were arrested for found in possession of 10 jerricans, (20 litres each) of petroleum products without license.

The others, Yohane Longwe, 26, Mervis Nyumeyi, 35, Modecai Sambo, 28, Bentry Munthali, 36, Samuel Nundwe, 22 and Gift Mhango, 34, were arrested for offences ranging from idle and disorderly to conducts.

The suspects from Nkhata bay, Mzimba, Rumphi, Nkhotakota and Kasungu will appear in court soon to answer their charges.

In a similar development, Karonga Police have arrested two people and seized 107 litres of petrol during simultaneous intelligence-driven operations conducted within Karonga District last Wednesday.

The Public Relations Officer for Karonga Police Station, Sub Inspector Rose Chipyola, narrates that the two were found selling 73 liters of petrol and have been arrested for the offence of selling liquid fuels without a licence.

The suspects are Tiwonge Kalinga, 42, of Peter Mwangalaba Village, T/A Kyungu in Karonga District, and Benard Kalagho, 29, of Mwalupanga Village, T/A Mwaulambia in Chitipa District.

The fuel has since been seized by police.

Both suspects will appear before court soon after completion of investigations.

In a related operation at Songwe Border, Detectives confiscated 34 litres of petrol after the owners abandoned the fuel and fled upon seeing police.

Meanwhile, police have launched investigations to trace and arrest the suspects who escaped.

Reporter: Freedom Chande