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On
October 16, 2003, the Santa Monica Police Department was contacted by
the United States Custom Task Force regarding a shipment from South
Africa that contained several kilograms of marijuana hidden inside
chessboards. The suspect was importing a shipment of African carved wood
products including 56 wooden chessboards and each contained over two
pounds of marijuana.
The
Narcotic Section of the Santa Monica Police Department conducted a
series of surveillances and on October 18, 2003, the suspect was
arrested and a search warrant was served at a residence in the City of
Upland. A total of 135
pounds of marijuana was recovered. The value is estimated at over
$65,000.
The
suspect has been identified as Sweet Banda a citizen of Zambia.
He was booked for the transportation and possession of
Marijuana for purposes of sale and is being held on $100,000 bail.
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