A Samfya Subordinate Court has convicted a 19 year old man to four months imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking in psychotropic substances contrary to section 6 of the narcotic drugs, chapter 96 of the laws of Zambia.
Before Magistrate Fabian Likulunga was Paul Kabwe of Mwenge village in Chief Chitembo’s chiefdom in Chifunabuli district in Luapula Province.
Mr Kabwe was arrested by Samfya district Drug Enforcement Commissioner (DEC) Officers on June 14, 2019 during an operation that took place in Chifunabuli.
Facts before the court were that on June 14, 2019 DEC officers received information that Kapota was smoking and selling psychotropic substances.
DEC officers then went to Chifunabuli, where Kabwe was identified and a search was constituted and 18.4 grams of vegetable leaves.
The leaves which were suspected to be marijuana were found in his in his pocket and he was later apprehended and taken to Samfya police station.
Preliminary tests were conducted and the results were positive confirming that it was marijuana, a herbal product of cannabis delta nine.
In mitigation Kabwe pleaded for lenience saying he was a family man who is taking care of his mother and that he regretted his actions.
In passing judgment, Magistrate Likulunga said he was lenient on the accused by sentencing him to 4 months imprisonment with hard labour when the offence in question carries the maximum of 10 to 15 years for the first offender.
If he was Chinese they would apologise to him. In America it is legal. Why terrorise our own citizens for nothing
Its not legal in America only a some states have legalised it …you can’t just sell it like fritters on the black market, you need to be properly organised so they can tax you!!
I thank the judge for giving this young man a lighter sentence. No one wins when you sentence minor offenders to longb jail terms. The govt spends money on each prisoner, loved ones suffer, also minor offenders often come out as hardened criminals. Always best to avoid custodial sentences for minor offences in favour of community service. Hard core criminals such as rapists and murderers however they deserve very hard punishment.
Our country is just stagnant with retrogressive leadership mindsets …oh I forgot we are a Christian nation whatever that means!!
18 grams for 4 yrs, why not fine him and the tax payer have to feed this man in prison, really laughable!
@ Mwape point of correction Sir! It’s four months not four years.
@4, sorry my bad!
Why not confiscating instead of jailing the young man. You are fearing to arrest those mentioned in FIC report then you turn your anger to an innocent citizen who didnt steal but grew it on his own. Careful!!!!!