Several Zambian Small Scale Farmers are in trouble with the Drug Enforcement Commission-DEC- for allegedly trafficking in various quantities of loose Cannabis.
DEC Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo says five people in Eastern Province have been arrested and jointly charged for trafficking in over 2.5 tons of loose cannabis.
Ms. Katongo names the five as 31 year old Christopher Sichone, a businessman of John Laing in Lusaka, 39 year old Elias Banda, a small-scale farmer of Mukwanta village in Lundazi District and 42 year old Dingiswayo Mwale, a driver of Roman Catholic Compound in Lundazi District for trafficking in 2.546 tonnes of loose cannabis.
Also arrested in connection with the same charge is 68 year old Hermit Chungu, a small-scale farmer of Zgobela village in Lundazi District and his wife, 42 year old Daphless Tembo, a small-scale farmer of the same abode.
The couple is suspected to have harbored the contraband awaiting transportation to Lusaka Province.
And in Central Province, the Commission has arrested 34 year old Jonathan Kabaso, a small-scale farmer of Chipuluka village in Luano District for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing 453kg.
All suspects will appear in court soon.