MALAWI: Salima Court Convicts Man Of Possessing 576kg Of Marijuana

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

A 34-year-old man, Adam Likagwa, has been convicted by the Salima Magistrate’s Court for possessing 576.68kg of marijuana without proper documentation.

The court sentenced Likagwa to pay a fine of K2 million or serve a one-year jail term.

According to the Salima Police spokesperson, Rabecca Ndiwate, the case was heard by the court through the state prosecutor, Ida Mzama.

Mzama told the court that Likagwa was arrested on March 22 at Chikumba area, while police were conducting night operations.

However, Likagwa failed to produce documents to prove the legitimacy of the marijuana, and when brought before the court, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

During the sentencing, Likagwa’s lawyer pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s family responsibilities.

The state prosecutor opposed the plea, and the presiding judge, Athony Banda, handed down the sentence. The seized marijuana was burnt on Friday.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the Malawi Police Service to crack down on drug trafficking and possession in the country. The court’s decision serves as a deterrent to those involved in such activities.