By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, March 16, Mana: Police in Dowa district Sunday arrested two people at Dzaleka Refugee Camp for illegal possession of cannabis sativa locally known as chamba.

Dowa police station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, identified the two as Remasi Mziiki, 22, a female Congolese refugee, and Gosta Mvula, 52, a male resident of Jeputala village under Traditional Authority Msakambewa in the district.

She said acting on a tip from an anonymous source, officers from Dzaleka police unit conducted a search at Mziiki’s residence in the camp, in a section called Lisungwi.

"The operation uncovered cannabis sativa concealed in food containers, a sack, and in a plastic bag. Mvula was also arrested near Mziiki's house, while in possession of cannabis sativa packed in a sack and concealed in laptop bag, which was meant for sale. 

"When questioned, the suspects failed to produce valid licenses for possession or sale of cannabis and were immediately arrested. The substance was confiscated and taken for assessment," she said. 

Sitima has since disclosed that Mziiki has a prior conviction for a similar offense.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to their offences.