Malawi: Police in Balaka District have arrested a 40 -year-old, John Madziadyenji for possessing 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa without a proper license. The cannabis variety commonly known as Chamba in the district and among the locals.
The suspect was taken into Custody after the law enforcement office was tipped off by some members of the community. According to Balaka Police Station publicist, Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, the suspect was arrested on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The arrest was made at Phalula Trading Centre in the district. The PPRO said community members tipped Phalula Police officers that the suspect was keeping Chamba at his house near Phalula Trading Centre.
“Following this information, Detective Sub Inspector Andrex Ziba of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs with other detectives made a follow up. The officers searched the place that they had been tipped off for where 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa was found. The officers seized the substance and arrested the suspect,” said M’bumpha.
He said arrangements are underway to take the exhibits to the Research Station for analysis and confirmation. The possession of such a large quantity of the herb suggests the intent to distribute. The investigating officers have shared that this is a criminal offence and will be dealt with the same way.
Madziadyenji comes from Phalula Village, Traditional Authority Phalula in Balaka. The suspect will appear before court to answer a charge of possessing Cannabis sativa without licence.
The date of the court hearing has not been shared with the media sources however the Balaka District police has confirmed that the date will be scheduled soon. The arrest of the suspected dealer has reinforced the commitment of the law enforcement agencies to deal with the scourge of drug abuse at its roots.
The administration has shared that the members of the public are not permitted to possess large quantities of drugs or recreational herbs. The officials have shared that the people found in violation will face the full wrath of the law upon apprehension.