Farmer jailed 30 years over cannabis haul

LINDI: THE Ruangwa district court has sentenced a 34-year-old farmer to 30 years in prison after convicting him of transporting 32.24 kilogrammes of cannabis and 780 grammes of cannabis seeds.

The convict, Omari Issa Chipungu, a resident of Mbekenyera village in Ruangwa district, pleaded guilty to both charges brought against him.

Resident Magistrate-in-Charge Jonas Lyakundi handed down the sentence after the court heard that Chipungu was arrested on May 8th this year, in Mbekenyera village while in possession of the cannabis and seeds.

He was subsequently charged before the court on earlier last month with transporting narcotic drugs.

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During the proceedings, State Attorney John Remmy presented the prosecution’s case, while Chipungu admitted the offences, allowing the court to convict him without a full trial.

In his ruling, Magistrate Lyakundi said drug trafficking and possession posed a serious threat to society, particularly young people, and could undermine the country’s development.

The court sentenced Chipungu to 30 years in prison on each count, saying the punishment was intended to deter others and strengthen efforts to combat the illegal drug trade.