The Drug Enforcement Commission over the weekend seized over 1.4 tonnes of cannabis countrywide and arrested 30 people for alleged unlawful cultivation and trafficking in cannabis.
The Commission arrested and jointly charged Judith Mwitwa, 24, a small-scale farmer of Magoye area in Mazabuka District, and Kalabila Siliya, 36, of the same abode for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 418.3kg.
Also arrested is Green Habayama, 56, a small-scale farmer of Mutumbi village in Gwembe District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 85.2kg.
DEC Public Relations Officer Theresa Katonga confirmed the arrests in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday.
In a related development, the Commission in Luapula Province has arrested Robert Kalunga, 38, of Mashini village in Mansa District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 170.84kg.
Also arrested is Chalwe Kafula, 40, a Charcoal Burner of Lishikishi village in Milenge District for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 70.72kg.
Ms. Katongo added that in Northern Province, the Commission arrested Phethias Sipota, 34, of Lwansobe village in Masaiti District for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 33.8kg.
The DEC spokesperson said all suspects will appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the Kapiri Mposhi Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced two women of Lusaka Province to four years simple imprisonment each for drug trafficking.
The two are part of the trio that were arrested on 3rd March this year by the Commission in Central Province for allegedly trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 725kg destined for Chiboya Compound in Lusaka.
Magistrate Ackson Mumba sentenced Patuma Bwale, 40 and Precious Mwiinga, 34 , both businesswomen of Chibolya Compound and John Laing in Lusaka District to four years simple imprisonment with effect from the date of their arrest.
Magistrate Mumba ordered that the drugs in question be destroyed.
My gawwd, look at those plants.
Some USA states are making good money by selling cannabis in a controlled way. We will copy and do the same only when the UK inevitably also starts selling in a controlled way.
What has the UK got to do with Zambia?
We are sort of becoming Mexico!!
Come on guys ! you could have given to me to stack up my stock. hhahahahaha
This is what will happen: An NGO from Washington state will pump in some cash into some hitherto erstwhile enthusiast with political connections and all the things that have been said against mbanja will soon be an admirable discussion of medical benefits, spiritual enlightenment and bombastic yet unclear environmental benefits. After this, it will be the parody of every politician to tow the line and recommend the limiting of how much you use (for recreational purposes) for its legalization. I know Africans. Just wait and see. Even that so-called Mugabe-Museveni pair up against the otherly se.xualized will eventually have some permission somewhere not far from now! Watch the space!!!
They were arrested for unlawful cultivation. How can they grow it lawfully?
What is simple imprisonment?
Herb is a plant….good plant zeen? These people who call demselves govts dis and dat…why dem say no herb?
USA is making lots of money outta it!