By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) arrested 17 people Countrywide for unlawful cultivation and trafficking of cannabis weighing over 712 Kilograms during the Easter period.
DEC Public Relations Officer Mathias Kamanga said the Commission in Lusaka has arrested and jointly charged Jeopher Ngoma 37, of Kabanana Compound, Peter Njovu, 31 of John Laing Compound, Lewis Sinzumwa 41, of Zanimuone Compound.
Others are Mwamba Siame 54, of Kamwala Compound and Patrick Banda 41, of Chawama Compound for trafficking in 262.2 Kilograms of loose cannabis.
Mr Kamanga said in a separate incident, the Commission arrested Steven Miyanda 36, of Chongwe for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 4.6 Kilograms.
He said in Western Province, the Commission has arrested Siyemba Nalishebo 39, of Mapilelo Village for trafficking in 295 Kilograms of loose cannabis and 22.5 Kilograms of cannabis seeds.
The Commission also arrested Wamundila Kahilu 29, of the same village for trafficking in 10.3 Kilograms of loose cannabis.
And in Northern Province, the Commission has arrested and jointly charged a woman, Selena Mazimba, 66, and Musayope Mbewe 17, both of Mpulungu District for trafficking in 90 Kilograms of loose cannabis.
The commissioner also arrested Richard Chanda, 31 of Mwiluzi Village in Lunte District for trafficking 2.5 Kilograms of loose cannabis.
In Luapula Province, the Commission has arrested Mwape Mwemba 30, of Chifunabuli District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 33.6 Kilograms. In a separate incident, the Commission has arrested Venango Mwansa 29, of Chufunabuli District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 4.7 Kilograms.
In North-Western Province, the Commission has arrested Gilbert Kasasa 32, of Mwinilunga District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 3.7 Kilograms.
Also arrested is Evans Kamota 24, for trafficking in 2.7 Kilograms of loose cannabis.
On the Copperbelt Province, the Commission has arrested a woman, Mirriam Silanda, 39, of House Number 3545 Kapoto Township in Kitwe for trafficking in 2.28 Kilograms of cannabis.
And in Luanshya, Jason Chizimu 24, of House Number 430 P-section has been arrested for trafficking in 1.1 Kilograms of cannabis.
Mr Kamanga said the suspects are appearing in various courts across the country.
