5 in Eastern province arrested for trafficking in cannabis

The Drug Enforcement Commission in Eastern Province has arrested and jointly charged five (05) people for trafficking in over 2.5 tonnes of loose cannabis.

Commission Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo says Christopher Sichone, 31, a businessman of John Laing in Lusaka District has been arrested and jointly charged with Elias Banda, 39, a small-scale farmer of Mukwanta village in Lundazi District and Dingiswayo Mwale, 42, a driver of Roman Catholic Compound in Lundazi District for trafficking in 2.546 tonnes of loose cannabis.

Also arrested in connection with the same charge is Hermit Chungu, 68, a small-scale farmer of Zgobela village in Lundazi District and his wife Daphless Tembo, 52, a small-scale farmer of the same abode. The couple is suspected to have harboured the contraband awaiting transportation to Lusaka Province.

And in Central Province, the Commission has arrested Jonathan Kabaso, 34, a small-scale farmer of Chipuluka village in Luano District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 453kg.

All suspects will appear in court soon.