The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Eastern Province has arrested a businessman who has been producing and selling petroleum jelly, laced with cannabis powder to some women in Chipata as a hair growth cream.Â
The suspect, identified as S. 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.Â
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by DEC Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo.
Ms Katongo has also warned 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.Â
Meanwhile Ms Katongo further disclosed that the Commission in Lusaka has arrested two Nigerian nationals for trafficking in various drugs.Â
She said the two suspects are identified as A. Obi, 36, a businessman of Mtendere compound and C. 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.  Â
Ms Katongo said all the suspects are currently in Police custody and will appear in court soon.
This is ridiculous.People around the world have woken up to the fact that marijuana has lots of health benefits and they are making money off it and we in Zambia are arresting people for that? We have politicians stealing millions of US dollars (42fire truck at $1million a piece) and we instead arrest a young 26 year old entrepreneur who is doing a great service to women by selling some real hair products. What do MPs do in parliament all day? These are the retrogressive laws we want changed.Its sickening
Instead of helping the innovative Chipata businessman, they are sending him to jail. That is organic products to be proud of.
Even Sinkamba got tired and retired from politics.
@ex-moma – I agree with your exasperation on this matter, but laws are there to be followed.
For all products sold on the market (especially those with prohibited ingredients) one needs to develop a patent and have the inventions licensed then will be free to trade them.
The problem we have is that most small scale entrepreneurs do not have capacity to raise funds and license their products.
For example ALCOHOL is a controlled product – not for sale to under 18s. Bols and Gin are alcohols allowed to be sold because the products are licensed. However KACHASU (lutuku), which is also an alcohol, its brewing and selling is prohibited because the product is not licensed.
Killing a Human being is a serious crime, BUT AT MUKOBEKO WE HAVE LICENSED KILLERS WHO KILL CRIMINALS SENTENCED TO DEATH.
The killing action is the same but if done without a license then it becomes crime.
THAT IS WHY MOST COUNTRIES ARE ABOLISHING THE DEATH PENALTY.
Excellent comment bro….instead of arresting Bowman Lusambo who is alleged to have a hand in the death of Obed Kasongo, the Police are busy arresting these young entrepreneurs who are creating their own employment opportunities. Very very sad development indeed.
LUNGU-MUST-GO. Very repressive and retrogresive PF govt
This man needs an award for innovation
Dollar is above 13 kwacha under lungu and this initiative can bring forex
Very backward we are indeed!! We actually need changes to these outdates laws and allow more research and commercialisation of marijuana instead jailing innovative young entrepreneurs!!
Legalise Ganja and don’t criticize it. Its good for medication as well. Let the man be commended.
Very unfortunate!