By Our Reporter

Renowned Rastafarian activist and Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) board member David Chikomeni Chirwa has been arrested at Jenda in Mzimba after police allegedly found him in possession of 19.2 kilograms of suspected Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as chamba, without a permit.

Chirwa, 49, was arrested on Friday at the Jenda Police roadblock alongside 45-year-old Storm Kandodo of Mpulula Village in the area of Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District.

According to Jenda Police Station spokesperson Gladwell Simwaka, the two were arrested after officers manning the roadblock stopped and searched their Toyota Sienta vehicle.Ras Chikomeni urges youth to vote for experience

Police allegedly discovered 19.2 kilograms of suspected Cannabis Sativa inside the vehicle.

The two were reportedly travelling from Lilongwe towards Mzuzu when they were intercepted at the roadblock.

Simwaka said police have since seized the suspected cannabis as investigations continue.

Chirwa’s arrest has attracted particular attention because he is a board member of the Cannabis Regulatory Authority, the government body responsible for regulating the cultivation, production, processing and other lawful activities involving cannabis in Malawi.Castel Malawi Boss Fined K1 Million For Cultivating Chamba

However, the possession of cannabis without the required legal authorisation remains an offence under Malawi’s cannabis laws.

Police say Chirwa and Kandodo are expected to appear in court soon, where they will answer charges relating to possession of Cannabis Sativa without a permit.

The two remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.Man fined K2 million for illegal possession of Chamba

The arrest comes as Malawi continues to strengthen regulation of the cannabis sector, following the country’s efforts to develop cannabis as a legitimate commercial and export industry while cracking down on unlawful possession and trafficking.

Malawi Freedom Network will continue to follow the case as it develops. More news Business section