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Three nabbed for illegal possession of drugs

 

Police in Machinga have arrested two health surveillance assistants (HSAs) identified as James Chikaonda, 53, and Peter Mkwate, 44, for allegedly stealing drugs meant for public hospitals.

The police are also keeping in custody John Sibweye on suspicion that he bought the drugs.

The suspects will appear in court soon

Machinga Police Station spokesperson Davie Sulumba confirmed that on May 12 2017, the police got a tip-off that Sibweye was selling drugs in his shop at Namanja Trading Centre in the district.

When they followed the issue up, they arrested the suspect who was allegedly found in possession of 990 tablets of Bactrim, 144 tablets of LA, 157 syringes and other assorted drugs.

“Upon quizzing him, Sibweye revealed that he purchased the drugs from the first two suspects who are HSAs at Namanja Health Centre. Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody awaiting to appear in court soon,” said Sulumba.

He said the first two suspects will answer the charge of theft by public servant contrary to Section 286 of the Penal Code while the third suspect will be charged with being found in possession of medical drugs without licence contrary to Section 35 as read with Section 65 of the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Act. n

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