By 
Musician Jackson Chikonde, popularly known as Jamaika Zed, has been found with a case to answer in a drug trafficking matter involving cannabis and bottles of Benylin with codeine.
Chikonde, a 20-year-old student at Evelyn Hone College, denied the charges. However, Lusaka Magistrate Chrispine Hampungani ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, placing the young artiste on his defence.
He is expected to open his defence on June 4, 2025.
The trial opened with testimony from Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) investigations officer, Jeremiah Banda, who told the court that Chikonde was apprehended in possession of 43 sachets of suspected cannabis and bottles of Benylin with codeine.
Banda, based in Chelstone, said the DEC acted on intelligence received on January 24, 2025, about an individual allegedly trafficking drugs in the Fairview area of Lusaka.
The tip-off came from an undercover officer who had been in contact with the suspect, who reportedly claimed he could supply cannabis and codeine-laced cough syrup.
A surveillance operation was set up near the suspect’s residence behind Nkwazi in Fairview. Banda and fellow officer, Percy Milambo, positioned themselves around 13:00 hours.
During the stakeout, the undercover officer informed the team that the suspect was returning by bus from town after collecting the illicit substances.
About an hour later, the suspect was spotted walking from the Civic Centre bus stop carrying a black plastic bag.
DEC officers moved in and apprehended him. Banda testified that the suspect immediately recognised him and exclaimed, “Oh my God, Bwana Banda!”
Upon searching the plastic bag, the officers allegedly found sachets of cannabis and bottles of Benylin with codeine. Chikonde was arrested on the spot and transported in a DEC vehicle.
Banda further told the court that he recognised Chikonde from a prior drug-related arrest in 2024, which resulted in a suspended sentence.
At the time, the musician had vowed to stay away from drugs and focus on his studies.
The officers later proceeded to Chikonde’s residence, where they were received by a young woman identified as his girlfriend.
After being informed of the intent to conduct a search, she allowed them to enter.
The officers emptied the plastic bag on the bed in her presence and counted a total of 43 sachets of suspected cannabis, which were seized as evidence.
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