A 23-year-old Malawi Defense Soldier has been arrested for being found in possession of Indian hemp locally known as Chamba.

Central region police spokesman Nolliettie Chihana Chimala has identified the soldier as Akex Kanjanga who is based at Engineering Battalion in Salima but hails from from Msongola Village, Traditional Authority Kwataine in Ntcheu.

According to Chimala, the soldier was arrested during the weekend at Thavite Trading Centre where police officers set up a roadblock.

“When police stopped the vehicle the suspect was in, 16 bags and one plastic bag of Chamba seeds were found in Kanjanga’s bag after searching. Police immediately arrested him and he has since been charged for an offence of being found in possession of Indian hemp without licence”, said Chimala.

Kanjanga is in police custody waiting to appear in court to answer the charges.

Meanwhile, police have said one sample of the Indian hemp will be taken to Chitedze research station for examination and analysis.