DEC nabs 70 people for cultivating, trafficking in cannabis

Over 70 people have been arrested around the country for unlawful cultivation and trafficking in more of than 600 kilogrammes of cannabis in the last ten days.
Among those arrested are Webby Kapaipi aged 50, Misheck Kikwili 39 and Shadreck Mulombe 34 all of Kasempa district in North-Western Province.
Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo, who confirmed the development to ZANIS in a statement in Lusaka today, also named Davies Kwanza 42 of Mpika district as among those arrested.
Ms. Katongo further said the Commission has arrested Evans Kalwila 31 of Masala Township in Ndola and Davies Simangolwa 34 of Mine Township in Chilabombwe in the Copperbelt Province.
Also arrested and jointly charged in trafficking in 7.5 kilogrammes of loose cannabis is an 18 year old juvenile and Andrew Phiri aged 19 both of Ndola.
Ms. Katongo said in Mazabuka district in Southern Province, the commission has arrested Mike Halute 39 and Patricia Cheelo 30 both of the same area for trafficking in 1.8 kilogrammes of loose cannabis.
Meanwhile, the DEC has warned all peasant farmers to desist from engaging in illegal farming activities involving cannabis cultivation because this might threaten the food security of the nation.