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The Senior Resident Magistrate Court at Mkukula in Dowa has ordered a 21-year-old man, Moses Francisco to pay a fine of K150,000 for possessing cannabis sativa without permit.
State prosecutor, Sergeant Prince Mvuthe of Kanengo Police Station told the court that on 6 September this year, Police received information that some people were keeping the illicit drug within the area.
Mvuthe further told the court that the law enforcers carried a special operation which led to the arrest of the convict.
Appearing in court, Francisco pleaded guilty to charge but asked the court to be lenient stating that he is a bread winner for the family and that he is also a first time offender.
But in his submission, prosecutor Mvuthe prayed for a stiff custodial sentence observing that these are harmful substances which trigger serious bad behaviors health risks in people.
Passing the sentence, Magistrate Montfort Misunje concurred with the state and sentenced Francisco to 1 year imprisonment but later suspended it to a fine of K150,000.00 and has since paid the fine.
Moses Francisco hails from Village Simalambo, Traditional Authority Masula, Lilongwe District.
