Six pupils from a school at Linyanti in the Zambezi region, allegedly linked to a cannabis syndicate at the school, were brought in for questioning at Katima Mulilo Police Station on Friday.[1] The school was identified as Linyanti Combined School.[2] A police report confirms that two 19-year-old pupils from the school, along with a 22-year-old Zambian national, are being held in police custody on charges of possession of cannabis.[1] Those held include a Zambian national believed to be the main supplier, and they were expected to make their first court appearance in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court.[1]

The discovery began when a hostel supervisor conducting routine rounds at the community hostel noticed suspicious behaviour involving a Grade 10 pupil and a strong smell of cannabis.[1] A search at the community hostel first led to the discovery of 40g of marijuana.[2] A joint operation then led to the discovery of 700g of marijuana from the main supplier.[2] Two Grade 10 pupils were found to be in possession of drugs on behalf of the supplier.[2]

Community police and the Chinchimane sub-police station were contacted along with the school principal and responded promptly.[2] An amount exceeding N$5,000, along with five Zambian kwacha, believed to be proceeds from marijuana sales, was also recovered.[2] More potential clients are believed to be pupils at the school, particularly from Grades 9 and 11.[1]