BY RABECCA BANDA
A LUSAKA youth who initially admitted being found with drugs disputed facts read by the prosecution, saying not everything mentioned belonged to him.
He claimed he pleaded guilty because he did not understand the charge then.
The 17-year-old was appearing before magistrate Ruth Kapulo where he is facing three counts of trafficking in psychotropic substances.
Facts before the court were that on September 24, 2020, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) received information that there was a boy trafficking in psychotropic substances in Mandevu township.
The DEC officers proceeded to the area where they found the boy at Chitemuka market.
After a body search that included a bag he was carrying, the found 10 diazepam tablets, a clear plastic bag containing marijuana and 96 sachets of heroin drugs.
When shown what was found, he admitted ownership.
The boy said he was implicated and had nothing to do with the drugs.
He said he did not have all the drugs mentioned in the facts.
Magistrate Kapulo asked the boy why he pleaded guilty to the charge when he knew he did not do it.
He said his friends went to pick him from home and he was not aware they had drugs.
Magistrate Kapulo: Did you not tell me that you were in possession of the drugs and it was your first time using?
Boy: Yes I did but not all the drugs were mine.
He said the heroin belonged to his friend.
He said he pleaded guilty at the first time of taking plea because he did not understand the charge.
