By 
Businessman Henry Kasolo, who had been on the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) wanted list, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking 73.9 kilogrammes of cannabis.
Kasolo, who was convicted on three counts, was sentenced on Thursday after the State failed to produce his previous conviction record, resulting in the court treating him as a first offender.
The prosecution had initially sought to have Kasolo treated as a second offender but told the court that his previous conviction record was unavailable.
“The accused person is a first offender,” the State told the court, while apologising to the defence for the inconvenience.
Read more: Lusaka court admits 73.9kg of imported cannabis in case against Kasolo
In mitigation, Kasolo, through his lawyers, asked the court to temper justice with mercy, saying he had accepted his conviction and was remorseful.
The defence told the court that Kasolo had suffered a serious medical condition since his arrest on June 26, 2025, requiring him to receive medication through injections several times a day.
The court also heard that Kasolo was a family man and that his imprisonment had taken a toll on his children.
“One of the youngest reached out: ‘Uncle, when is dad coming home?’ Despite being counsel, I had difficulties responding. The simple answer was that he is at the mercy of the court,” the defence told the court.
The lawyers asked the court to suspend part of the sentence, arguing that Kasolo had reached a point where he needed to refocus his life and reintegrate into society.
But Magistrate Webster Milumbe said the quantity of cannabis involved was an aggravating factor that warranted a deterrent sentence, despite Kasolo being a first offender.
He sentenced Kasolo to seven years on each of the three counts, with the sentences to run concurrently from June 26, 2025.
Kasolo was convicted of trafficking in psychotropic substances, illegal importation and corrupt practices involving public officers.
The case arose after two Thai nationals were arrested at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport with four suitcases containing 120 pieces of compressed cannabis.
Kasolo was later linked to an alleged K60,000 bribe offered to facilitate the release of the two suspects and the movement of the consignment.
The court will on Oct. 6 hear an application for the disposal of the exhibits.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments