Tanzania’s drugs control agency seizes 2.2 tonnes of narcotics in Tanga, Dar es Salaam
What you need to know:
- The DCEA warned property owners to exercise caution when renting out their premises, as traffickers often use rented homes for drug storage while avoiding living on the premises.
Dar es Salaam. The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has successfully intercepted 2,207.56 kilograms of narcotics and medicinal drugs with narcotic properties.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Monday, the DCEA’s Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo said that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the drugs in operations conducted in Tanga and Dar es Salaam.
“The seized drugs include 1,500.6 kilograms of skunk, 687.76 kilograms of methamphetamine, 19.20 kilograms of heroin, and 10 bottles of medicinal drugs containing fentanyl,” Mr Lyimo said.
Mr Lyimo detailed a major operation on November 14, 2024, where suspects Mohamed Suleiman Bakar (40) and Sullesh Said Mhailoh (36) were apprehended in Kigamboni with 1,350.4 kilograms of skunk.
The drugs were stored in a rented house occupied by Mohamed and hidden inside a Nissan Juke vehicle (registration number T 534 EJC) ready for distribution.
On the same day, law enforcement arrested Idd Mohamed Iddy (46) in the Sinza E area of Dar es Salaam. Iddy was found with 150.2 kilograms of skunk concealed in soap cartons and a South African-registered Scania truck (registration number LN87XJGP).
In Tanga, suspects Ally Kassim (36) and an accomplice were apprehended with 96 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine. The drugs were discovered in a Toyota Noah vehicle (registration number T 714 EGX) and part of the suspects’ residence.
Additionally, Michael Dona Mziwanda (28) and Tumpale Benard Mwasakila (32) were arrested with 10 bottles of medicinal fentanyl stored in an M-PESA shop.
The DCEA warned property owners to exercise caution when renting out their premises, as traffickers often use rented homes for drug storage while avoiding living on the premises.
“Under the Drug Control and Enforcement Act, Chapter 95, properties used for drug-related activities are subject to confiscation. Owners who fail to report suspicious activities risk penalties, including fines ranging from Sh5 million to Sh50 million, imprisonment for 5 to 30 years, or both,” Mr Lyimo explained.
Highlighting the societal impact of drug trafficking, Mr Lyimo noted that narcotics not only harm users but also fuel crime, weaken the workforce, and disrupt communities.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking. This illegal trade threatens the safety of families and society at large,” he emphasized.
The DCEA continues its efforts to dismantle drug networks in Tanzania, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the nation from the dangers of narcotics.
