Musician artist Jackson Chikonde, who goes by the stage name Jamaika Zed, faced the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court recently, where he entered a not guilty plea regarding allegations of trafficking in over 80 grams of marijuana.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) confirmed the arrest of the Lusaka-based artist for suspected drug trafficking. The reports indicate that Chikonde, from Rhodes Park, was taken into custody after being found with 43 sachets of cannabis weighing 84.65 grams, along with 13 bottles of codeine totaling 2.6 grams.
His arrest followed the release of music videos that reportedly challenged law enforcement and encouraged the public to partake in illegal activities, a move that raised concerns among authorities.
Last week, Chikonde appeared in court facing one count of trafficking in psychotropic substances. The allegations state that on January 24, 2025, he trafficked 84.65 grams of marijuana without legal permission.
During the proceedings before magistrate Crispin Hampungani, public prosecutor Mwansa Makasa informed the court that Chikonde is currently remanded in custody as the case came up for a plea.
After hearing the charges, the dreadlocked Chikonde, a student at Evelyn Hone College, maintained his not guilty stance.
Magistrate Hampungani scheduled the next court date for February 20, 2025, when the trial will begin.
Chikonde will remain in custody, as drug trafficking charges are not eligible for bail.
