A drunken police officer in Zambia freed 13 suspects from custody so that they could go and celebrate the new year, officials said in a press release seen by the BBC.

Detective inspector Titus Phiri was arrested after releasing the suspects from Leonard Cheelo police station in the capital, Lusaka, before running away himself.

The British broadcaster, the 13 detainees were accused of crimes such as assault, robbery and burglary. They are all currently on the run and a manhunt has been launched to find them.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said that Mr. Phiri, “in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys” from constable Serah Banda on New Year’s Eve.

“Subsequently, detective inspector Phiri unlocked both the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the new year.”

“Out of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 escaped. Following the incident, the officer fled the scene.”