DRUG TRAFFICKER KASOLO SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS IMPRISONMENT
By Josphat Hamakala
The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has sentenced drug trafficker Henry Kasolo to seven years imprisonment with hard labour on each of three counts involving cannabis trafficking, unlawful importation of drugs and corrupt practices.
Kasolo was convicted of trafficking 173.9 kilogrammes of cannabis, unlawfully importing 73.9 kilogrammes of cannabis, and offering K60,000 to Drug Enforcement Commission officer to secure the release of two Thai nationals arrested with compressed cannabis.
In mitigation, his lawyer asked the court for mercy, pointing to Kasolo’s medical condition, his family responsibilities and the fact that he was a first offender, also asking the court to suspend part of the sentence to allow him to return to society and contribute positively.
But Lusaka Resident Magistrate Webster Milumbe has said he has the duty to protect the society and to deter such conducts and business.
The court has said the quantity of cannabis and circumstances of the offences required a sentence that would protect society and deter similar conduct.
The Magistrate has ordered that all three seven-year sentences run concurrently from June 26, 2025 and he has 14 days to appeal.
It means he will be in jail for 7 years.
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