Zimbabwean man arrested in Botswana over cannabis plantation

A 51-year-old Zimbabwean national, Clifford Nkomo, has been arrested in Botswana after allegedly operating a large-scale cannabis plantation at a farm in the Gantsi area.

According to the Botswana Police Service, officers acted on a tip-off and conducted a search at the property, where they reportedly uncovered an estimated 500 kilograms of dagga with a street value of P250,000 (approximately US$18,600).

Nkomo appeared before the Gantsi Magistrates Court on Monday, facing two counts: unlawful possession of illicit drugs and unlawful cultivation of plants for narcotic and psychotropic purposes.

He has been remanded in custody and is expected to return to court on April 27.

Police said a further search of the premises led to the discovery of additional sachets containing substances suspected to be cannabis, weighing about one kilogram and valued at P2,600 (around US$190).

"Further search of the premises led to the discovery of multiple sachets containing substances suspected to be dagga," the police said in a statement.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing as they continue to probe the full scope of the operation.