LILONGWE, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two Zimbabwe and three Malawi nationals have been arrested in Malawi capital, Lilongwe, over possession of Indian hemp (Canabis sativa) which is against the laws of Malawi, police said Saturday.

Malawi Police spokesperson for central region, Nolliette Chihana, told Xinhua the five Malawi and Zimbabwe nationals were arrested by night patrol police officers who found them in possession of 48 bags of Indian hemp weighing 1.5 tons.

"The night patrol officers came across two suspicious vehicles, a Fuso Fighter truck and a Toyota saloon carrying bags of what could easily be dismissed as containing maize or rice," explained Chihana.

"But upon close inspection, the officers' suspicions were confirmed when they discovered that the bags contained the prohibited plant," said Chihana.

The load was taken to a research station within the city where the contents were tested and confirmed to be Indian hemp, according to Chihana.

The five suspects are expected to appear before court to answer the charges of contravening Dangerous Drugs Act and other related legal instruments.