The Drug Enforcement Commission in Eastern Province has arrested a 26-year-old businessman who has been producing and selling petroleum jelly laced with cannabis powder to some women in Chipata as a hair growth cream.

According to a statement issued by DEC public relations officer Theresa Katongo, Samson Tembo has been charged with trafficking in 29 balls of loose cannabis.

“The suspect, identified as Samson Tembo, 26, a businessman of Plot 2125, Mosque Extension in Chipata District has been arrested and charged with trafficking in twenty-nine (29) balls of loose cannabis and 26×25 gram jars of petroleum jelly laced with cannabis powder, contrary to the laws of Zambia. The Commission wishes to warn members of the public against the use of psychotropic substances, particularly cannabis, as a cosmetic or hair growth agent, as the unlawful use and manufacture of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance carries stiff penalties in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Chapter 96 of the Laws of Zambia,” Katongo stated.

Meanwhile the Commission in Lusaka arrested two Nigerian nationals for trafficking in various drugs.

“The two suspects are identified as Arinze Obi, 36, a businessman of Mtendere compound and Chinonso Abakwam, 30, a businessman of Kamwala South, arrested and jointly charged for trafficking in compressed cannabis weighing eighteen (18) kilograms as well as two (2) sachets and 163 tablets of Methylphenidate. All the suspects are currently in Police custody and will appear in court soon,” stated Katongo.