Lusaka man convicted after K60,000 bribe attempt in drug trafficking case

A bid to buy his way into the heart of a drug trafficking investigation has ended with the conviction of Henry Shula Kasolo on three counts arising from a controlled delivery operation involving compressed cannabis and an alleged K60,000 bribe.

The Lusaka Subordinate Court yesterday convicted Kasolo of offences relating to trafficking in psychotropic substances and importation of drugs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, as well as corrupt practices with public officers under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

The court is expected to sentence Kasolo on Thursday, September 3, 2026, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday by the National Prosecution Authority.

The case began at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where the two Thai nationals were arrested in possession of four suitcases containing compressed cannabis.

While the two suspects were detained, officers received a call from Kasolo, who attempted to secure their release and facilitate the onward delivery of the drugs to Shakespeare Apartments.

According to the prosecution evidence, Kasolo offered officers K60,000 in exchange for facilitating the release of the suspects and allowing the illicit consignment to proceed.

Investigators subsequently conducted a controlled delivery operation, which led to Kasolo’s apprehension at Shakespeare Apartments.

During the trial, the prosecution presented witness testimony, financial records, video footage and digital phone evidence linking Kasolo to the attempted transaction.

Witnesses testified about Kasolo’s efforts to interfere with the lawful detention of the Thai nationals. Financial records showed that K40,000 was transferred electronically through Airtel Money, while a further K20,000 was delivered in cash.

Video footage captured Kasolo handing an envelope containing the K20,000 to officers, while digital phone data corroborated the electronic transfer of K40,000.

Although Kasolo did not physically carry the suitcases containing the cannabis, the prosecution’s evidence established his involvement through his financial dealings, conduct and direct engagement with the officers during the controlled delivery operation.

His actions, the prosecution submitted, demonstrated constructive possession of the prohibited substance and connected him to the attempted importation and movement of the cannabis. The payments made to the officers also formed the basis of the corruption charge.

The court, having considered the evidence presented before it, convicted Kasolo on all three counts.

The two Thai nationals arrested in connection with the cannabis consignment were also convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment each.

The convictions of the two Thai nationals and their subsequent prison sentences, together with Kasolo’s conviction, mark a significant outcome in the investigation into the trafficking and attempted movement of the prohibited substance.

The case also highlights the broader threat posed when individuals attempt to use money to interfere with law enforcement operations or compromise public officers.

With Kasolo’s sentencing scheduled for September 3, 2026, the matter will return to court on Thursday for determination of the appropriate punishment following his conviction.

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