The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested six farmers for cultivation of cannabis contrary to the laws of Zambia.
According to a statement issued by DEC public relations officer Kamufisa Manchishi today, five of the arrested farmers are from Mulobezi district whilst one is from Sibanze village.
“The Drug Enforcement Commission in Southern Province has arrested five (5) small scale farmers of Matako Chiefdom in Mulobezi District for unlawful cultivation of cannabis plants weighing over six (6) tonnes, contrary to the laws of Zambia. The five arrested are Sibanda Ntunta, 29, of Kamwatamwata Village for cultivation of cannabis plants weighing 3.9 tonnes, Kapupa Eric, 37, also of Kamwatamwata Village for cultivation of cannabis plants weighing 600 Kilograms.Others include Madao Janita, a female of unknown age in Kazuzi Village for cultivation of cannabis plants weighing 600 kilograms and Kapupa Limbama, 41, also of Kazuzi Village, for cultivation of 495 kilograms of cannabis plants,” Manchishi stated.
“Also arrested is Kapeto Ostern, 36, a small scale farmer of Sibanze Village for cultivation of cannabis plants weighing 790 kilograms. The suspects are expected to appear in court today.”
Meanwhile, he stated that the DEC had also arrested an export controller for money laundering.
“Meanwhile, the Commission through the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) in Lusaka has arrested an export controller of a named transport company for money laundering and being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, contrary to the laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offences are that on dates unknown but between 1st February, 2014 and 30th April, 2015, whilst acting together with other persons unknown, Chomba Mwansa, 30, an export controller of Chazanga Township in Lusaka District did deposit cash into a known bank account amounting to K 1,333, 400.00, monies suspected to be proceeds of crime. The suspect did further launder the funds by remitting a total of K480, 372.03 by way of swift transfer to various overseas companies and acquired seven (7) motor vehicles as well as properties amounting to K459, 420. The suspect has been released on Police bond and is expected to appear in court soon,” stated Manchishi.
