Court convicts Kasolo for paying K60,000 to DEC officers

Court convicts Kasolo for paying K60,000 to DEC officers

A BID to secure the release of two suspects and facilitate the movement of a drug consignment has ended with the conviction of Henry Shula Kasolo on three counts involving drug trafficking, importation of drugs and corruption.

The Lusaka Subordinate Court has convicted Kasolo of offences relating to trafficking in psychotropic substances and importation of drugs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, as well as corrupt practices with public officers under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

Kasolo is expected to be sentenced on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

The case arose at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where two Thai nationals were arrested in possession of four suitcases containing compressed cannabis.

While the two suspects were detained, officers received a call from Kasolo, who sought to secure their release and facilitate the onward delivery of the drugs to Shakespeare Apartments.

According to the prosecution, Kasolo offered officers K60,000 to facilitate the release of the suspects and allow the consignment to proceed.

Investigators subsequently conducted a controlled delivery operation, which resulted in Kasolo’s apprehension at Shakespeare Apartments.

During the trial, the prosecution presented witness testimony, financial records, video footage and digital phone evidence linking Kasolo to the attempted transaction.

The court heard that K40,000 was transferred electronically through Airtel Money, while a further K20,000 was delivered in cash.

Video footage captured Kasolo handing an envelope containing K20,000 to officers, while digital phone data corroborated the electronic transfer of K40,000.

Although Kasolo did not physically carry the suitcases containing the cannabis, the prosecution presented evidence linking him to the consignment through his financial dealings and direct engagement with officers during the controlled delivery operation.

The prosecution argued that his conduct amounted to constructive possession of the prohibited substance and connected him to the attempted importation and movement of the cannabis.

The payments made to the officers formed the basis of the corruption charge.

The court, after considering the evidence presented during the trial, convicted Kasolo on all three counts.

The two Thai nationals arrested in connection with the cannabis consignment were also convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment each.

According to the National Prosecutions Authority, Kasolo will return to court on Thursday, September 3, 2026, for sentencing.

September 2, 2026.