Kasolo sentenced to 7 years for drug trafficking, corruption

DRUG trafficker Henry Shula Kasolo was sentenced Thursday to seven years imprisonment with hard labor on three counts of cannabis trafficking, unlawful importation and corruption. The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court convicted Kasolo of trafficking 173.9 kilograms of cannabis, illegally importing 73.9 kilograms, and bribing a Drug Enforcement Commission officer with K60,000 to secure the release of

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DRUG trafficker Henry Shula Kasolo was sentenced Thursday to seven years imprisonment with hard labor on three counts of cannabis trafficking, unlawful importation and corruption.

The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court convicted Kasolo of trafficking 173.9 kilograms of cannabis, illegally importing 73.9 kilograms, and bribing a Drug Enforcement Commission officer with K60,000 to secure the release of two Thai nationals arrested with compressed cannabis.

In mitigation, his lawyer asked for leniency, citing Kasolo’s medical condition, family responsibilities and status as a first offender. The lawyer also requested a suspended portion of the sentence.

Lusaka Resident Magistrate Webster Milumbe denied the request, saying the court had a duty to protect the public and deter similar crimes.

“The quantity of cannabis and the circumstances of the offenses require a sentence that will protect society and deter similar conduct,” Milumbe said.

The magistrate ordered the three seven-year terms to run concurrently from June 26, 2025. Kasolo has 14 days to appeal.

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