By Nchimunya Miyoba
The Drug Enforcement Commission in Lusaka has arrested two individuals for trafficking in over six hundred (600) kilograms of cannabis, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Edward Phiri, 32, a farmer of Kabanana compound has been arrested and jointly charged with Meckson Zulu, 23, a bricklayer of the same compound for trafficking in eleven (11) by ninety Kg bags and twenty-two (22) pre-packed plastic bags of loose cannabis weighing a total of 659.818 Kgs.
According to the statement made available to media by Deputy Public Relations Officer Kamufisa Manchishi, the duo was nabbed in a major operation conducted by the Commission in Kabanana compound over the weekend.
Mr Manchishi stated that the duo is currently in Police custody.
In a related development DEC in Nakonde district have arrested three people for cultivation of over one (1) tonne of cannabis.
Manchishi stated that the suspects Webby Munkondya, 24, a small-scale farmer of Dambo village in Mafinga District was charged with cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 750 Kgs and Aaron Kaumba, 25, a small-scale farmer of Katawela village in Mafinga District jointly charged with his father, Riffle Kaumba, 54, also a small-scale farmer of the same village for cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 282 Kgs.
The trio has since appeared for plea at the Isoka Magistrate Court.