Police in Mchinji are keeping in custody two men for allegedly possessing Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Chamba, without the required permit.
According to Mchinji Police Publicist Limbani Mpinganjira, the two are Joseph Banda aged 36 and Chisomo Hegani aged 26.
Mpinganjira has told Nthanda Times in an interview that the duo was arrested on November 25, 2023 during a daytime raid conducted by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the district, an operation which was organized in response to information provided by concerned citizens, targeted individuals involved in the illicit drug trade in the Boma trading area and Ludzi.
“Police got tipped-off by good citizens that some individuals are trading in the stated illicit drugs around Boma trading area and Ludzi, that compelled intelligence driven investigations eventually leading to the arrest of the two,” said Mpinganjira.
Mpinganjira added that the intelligence-driven investigations led to the apprehension of Joseph Banda and Chisomo Hegani at their business premises.
“Upon a thorough search at the scenes, Joseph Banda was found with eighty (80) kilograms (KG)s of Cannabis Sativa while Chisomo Hegani was found with loose Cannabis Sativa along with fifty eight (58) twists.
“Meanwhile, police have seized the Indian Hemp pending examination by experts from Chitedze Research Station in Lilongwe and later to be disposed of by burning,” he added.
The suspects face charges of being found in possession of Cannabis Sativa without a license, as per Section 8 Subsection (b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act and are expected to appear before court shortly.
Joseph Banda hails from Mikayere Village,while Chisomo Hegani hails from Chimuti Village, both under Traditional Authority Zulu in Mchinji district.
