A 30 year old woman of Lusaka’s Chawama compound has been convicted by the Chipata Magistrate Court for trafficking in psychotropic substances.
Helen Chirwa stood charged with one count of trafficking in psychotropic substances contrary to the laws of Zambia.
The state called three witnesses to prove their case while Chirwa gave evidence on oath in defense but did not call any witness after the court found her with a case to answer.
Facts of the matter are that, Chirwa on July, 17, 2018 did traffic in 18 by 90kg bags of marijuana weighing, 1440kgs without lawful authority.
Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers managed to intercept the truck on July, 17 around 02.00hrs which was carrying loose cannabis near St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Church after a tip off from members of the public.
In passing judgment, Senior Resident Magistrate Bornface Mwala said the state had proved the case beyond any reasonable doubt and convicted her accordingly.
Magistrate Mwala has since adjourned the matter to February, 28 for mitigation and sentence as the lawyer for the convict Senior Legal Aid Counsel John Phiri was not before court to mitigate on behalf of Chirwa.
