Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) Chief vows not to protect Cannabis growers

Chief vows not to protect Cannabis growers
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 14:57

Chief Hanjalika of the Tonga people in Mazabuka district has expressed worry at the high number of people engaged in commercial cannabis cultivation in his chiefdom.

The chief said in the recent past, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested a number of people in connection with the commercial cultivation of cannabis in his chiefdom among them village headmen.

He told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that the increased number of people growing the illicit drug has dented the image of the chiefdom.

He has since vowed not to protect anyone, including his village headmen, and warned that they will be arrested for growing cannabis because they have embarrassed him and put the name of his chiefdom into disrepute.

Chief Hanjalika said it was saddening that hardly a day passes without reading in the media about people being arrested for drug related offences.

He further lamented that the Mazabuka magistrate court has been flooded with cases of illegal cultivation of drugs from his area.

Chief Hanjalika has since urged the DEC to comb his chiefdom and bring to book all perpetrators of the vice in order to promote sanity in the area.

Meanwhile, Mazabuka District Commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba has urged the Drug Enforcement Commission to seriously commence sensitisation meetings in chief Hanjalika’s area to educate people on the dangers of growing cannabis.

Mr. Hamaamba said the sensitisation would help change the belief of some villagers who think growing cannabis was as normal as growing maize.

ZANIS

Labels: CANNABIS, CHIEF HANJALIKA, MAZABUKA DISTRICT

posted by MrK @ 5:15 AM