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The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has admitted into evidence 120 prepacked pieces of imported cannabis weighing 73.9 kilogrammes in the case where Henry Shula Kasolo is charged with trafficking in psychotropic substances.
Testifying before Magistrate Webster Milumbe on Friday, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) senior investigations officer, Maggie Lichilo, told the court that the suspected imported drugs were discovered in four suitcases.
She said the bags were opened in Kasolo’s presence, where officers found 120 compressed and prepacked units of suspected cannabis, which were subsequently seized.
Lichilo further told the court that a search on the suspect led to the recovery of US$10,200 and K6,000, which were seized as part of the investigation.
She added that K20,000 allegedly offered to her as a bribe was not retained but later handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Several mobile phones found on the accused were also confiscated for forensic analysis.
She said a follow-up search at Kasolo’s residence along Leopards Hill Road did not produce any additional evidence.
Investigators later secured CCTV footage from Shakespear Apartments, which showed a man approaching a vehicle carrying DEC officers and attempting to bribe them. The footage was preserved as part of the case record.
Lichilo testified that samples of the seized substance were taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) laboratory, where a public analyst confirmed it to be cannabis sativa with a total weight of 73.9 kilograms.
She added that mobile phones were submitted to ZICTA for analysis, while MTN call records revealed communication between the suspects and a number registered to a Nelson Cheelo of Chongwe, whose identity could not be verified.
Investigations also traced a white Toyota Hilux linked to the matter to NAC 2000 Cargo Fleet, where it was established that the vehicle was allocated to Jane Lewis Alexander, identified as Kasolo’s wife.
Lichilo said that upon conclusion of investigations, Kasolo was warned and cautioned, but he denied the charges.
He is facing counts of trafficking in psychotropic substances and illegal importation of drugs.
The court admitted all exhibits and ordered that they remain in DEC custody. The matter has been adjourned to April 24, and the accused remains remanded in custody.
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