Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested over Eighty (80) people countrywide for unlawful cultivation and trafficking in cannabis.
Those arrested include Bayoni Mumba, 43, a small-scale farmer of Mwansa Village in Mansa District, Luapula Province for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 1.121 tonnes.
Also arrested are Maybin Kafunda, 48, a small-scale farmer of Edeni Village in Milenge District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 371.89kg, and Mwansa Maloni, 41, also a small-scale farmer of the same village for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 306.79kg.
In Central Province, the Commission has arrested Patrick Mbewe, 35, a small-scale farmer of Mulanda Village in Kapiri Mponshi District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 750kg.
Meanwhile in Eastern Province, the Commission arrested Aaron Mucheleka, 45, of Zoi Village in Lundazi District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 835kg and trafficking in 18kg of loose cannabis. Also arrested is Aaron’s brother Alison Mucheleka, 51, of the same abode for unlawful cultivation of cannabis weighing 45kg.
And a truck driver in Eastern Province has been convicted and sentenced to five years in prison with labour for drug trafficking.
Aston Phiri, 38, a truck driver of Kalunguzha Village in Petauke District was convicted and sentenced to five (05) years with labour on first count for trafficking in 350.8kg of cannabis and two (02) years on second count for unlawful use of property.
This is according to s statement issued by DEC public relations officer Theresa Katongo.