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A 42-year-old business woman from Kalingalinga compound, Joyce Phiri, has pleaded guilty to trafficking in narcotic substances in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
According to the allegations, Phiri trafficked 5.89 grams of cocaine without lawful authority on December 28, 2024.
During the court proceedings, Phiri admitted to using cocaine to relieve stress due to her child’s illness and blindness.
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Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya questioned Phiri about her actions, and Phiri revealed that she had been using cocaine for less than a month and obtained it from a friend who supplies her from Kaunda Square.
Phiri claimed she was unaware that possessing cocaine was illegal.
However, the magistrate noted that ignorance of the law was no defense.
The case has been adjourned to January 13, 2025, as the prosecutor handling the case was reported absent.
Phiri’s family was reportedly unaware of her whereabouts, and her husband is not present.
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