Farmer in trouble for growing mbanje

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 Dagga (Mbanje)

Victor Maphosa

Mashonaland East Bureau

Mutoko farmer Zvenyika Hodzi (48) was recently arrested by police on allegations of illegally planting more than 1 100 mbanje plants in his tobacco field, alternating with the legal tobacco plants, as he moved into commercial production of the illicit drug.

His operation came to light after the police received information of the illegal activity. Police visited the farm where they uprooted the plants and arrested Hodzi who, Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi said was now assisting the police with investigations.

“Circumstances are that the police received information that Hodzi had cultivated dagga in his tobacco field.

“Acting upon the information, police proceeded to the said plot and conducted some searches, leading to the recovery of 1163 plants of mbanje planted in between conventional tobacco plants,” he said.

Insp Chazovachiyi said following the recovery, Hodzi was immediately arrested.

He went on to warn the public against illegal cultivation of dagga.

He also applauded the public for supplying the police with information on illegal activities.