Thirteen suspected criminals are on the loose in Zambia after a drunken detective unlocked prison cells on New Year’s Eve and told the inmates they could go, police said Friday.

The detective “in an intoxicated state forcibly took the cell keys” from police officer Serah Banda and “unlocked both the men’s and women’s cells and instructed the suspects to leave, saying they were free to move into the New Year,” police statement he said.

All but two of the 15 suspects in prison at the time escaped when the cells were opened on the morning of December 31.

“The suspects are still on the run,” police spokesman Rae Hamoonga told AFP on Friday.

“Many of the suspects face serious criminal charges, including assault, theft and burglary. Allowing them to remain at large could pose a significant risk to public safety,” he said.

The detective fled the scene, but was soon arrested.

“The Zambia Police Service has intensified efforts to locate and arrest the fugitives,” police said in a statement. “We invite citizens who have any information that could help locate the suspect to contact the nearest police station.”

Until Monday, the police had not given any news about the escaped prisoners.