DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION ARRESTS TWO PEASANT FARMERS OF PETAUKE DISTRICT FOR UNLAWFUL CULTIVATION OF FRESH CANNABIS PLANTS. THE Drug Enforcement Commission in Eastern Province has arrested two peasant farmers of Petauke District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing over 2 tonnes. This is according to a press statement issued by DEC Public Relations Officer, Ms Theresa Katongo and made available to Mwebantu New Media. Ms Katongo stated that Junda Njobvu, 41, a peasant farmer of Sati village in Petauke District has been arrested for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 1.3 tonnes and trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 21kg. She added that in a related but separate incidence, the Commission in Eastern Province has arrested Ernerst Jali Banda, 38, of Ndeleya Village in Petauke District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants in a maize field weighing 1.2 tonnes and trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 12.6kg. “The two suspects are currently detained at Petauke Police Station and will appear in court on Monday 12th May, 2014.” She said Meanwhile, Ms Katongo said the Commission in Luapula Province has arrested Albert Manda, 39, a peasant farmer of Chipanta village in Nchelenge District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants intercropped with maize and cassava weighing 26.4kg. “Others arrested in the last two (02) days include Loveness Cheso, 48, a housewife of Chilupula village in Kabwe for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 10.6kg, Joe Mwanakayumba, 32, a peasant farmer of Sichili area in Mulobezi District for trafficking in 1.32kg of cannabis and Freezer Muvumi a peasant farmer of Nsuki area in Kasempa District for trafficking in 1.1kg of cannabis. All suspects will appear in court soon.” She said
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 12:20:42 +0000