Five Egyptians and six Zambians appeared in court on Monday after a mystery plane landed in Lusaka carrying 130 kilos of gold, nearly $6 million in cash, and guns.

Eleven people, including a top Zambian police officer, were arrested and charged with "espionage" in the capital, according to drug and law enforcement officials.

PHOTO | COURTESY Zambia gold scandal

According to an AFP correspondent, the suspects arrived late Monday afternoon at a magistrate's court.

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When the jet landed in Lusaka two weeks earlier, authorities recovered 127 kilos (280 pounds) of "suspected gold," a handful of firearms, 126 rounds of ammunition, and about $5.7 million.

The Drug Enforcement Administration said the hired plane was transporting "dangerous goods."

Judge Davies Chimbwili accused them of acting "for purposes that were prejudicial to the safety and interest of the Republic of Zambia."

PHOTO | COURTESY recovered gold

They were eventually apprehended.

According to court documents seen by AFP, the suspects include a former Egyptian military officer, a businessman, and a Zambian police officer.

The story, most of which remains unknown, has continued to make headlines in Egypt.

An independent Egyptian journalist was arrested in Cairo after reports accused officials of smuggling cash, weapons, and gold. He was eventually released.

PHOTO | COURTESY Plane
However, Egyptian state media maintained that the plane was privately owned and had just flown through Cairo.

Under Zambian law, the suspects could face up to 30 years in prison.