Tanzania’s drugs control body seizes over 790 kilograms of narcotics in nationwide crackdown
What you need to know:
- The operation, spanning from January to February 2025, also led to the destruction of numerous cannabis farms and the arrest of 114 suspects involved in the illicit trade.
Dar es Salaam. The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has made significant strides in the fight against illegal drug trade with the successful seizure of 790.528 kilograms of narcotics across Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Mtwara, and Dar es Salaam.
The operation, spanning from January to February 2025, also led to the destruction of numerous cannabis farms and the arrest of 114 suspects involved in the illicit trade.
DCEA Commissioner General, Aretas Lyimo, revealed the operations were conducted in collaboration with regional security agencies.
"Today, we seized 148 kilograms of khat and destroyed 336 acres of cannabis farms in Dodoma, within the Ikome Reserve in Kondoa District," said Mr Lyimo.
He noted that the farms were often disguised with legitimate crops in an effort to hide illegal activities.
"This is the first major operation in Dodoma, a clear indication that cannabis farming is spreading in some parts of the region," Mr Lyimo added, emphasizing that the DCEA’s commitment to eradicating the production, trade, and use of drugs remains steadfast.
In Dar es Salaam, law enforcement arrested three individuals in possession of 32.16 kilograms of cannabis (skunk), while another four suspects were apprehended with 5.1 kilograms of heroin and five liters of Caffeine Anhydrous Pure, a chemical commonly used to bulk up drugs.
Arusha also witnessed a major drug bust, where authorities seized 98.55 kilograms of cannabis, 162.111 kilograms of khat, 301 grams of heroin, 195 grams of methadone, one ivory tusk, and 11 live rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, a suspect was arrested for growing cannabis seedlings in their home using plastic disposable cups.
“These results confirm that drug trafficking is closely linked with other crimes such as the illegal arms trade and wildlife poaching,” Mr. Lyimo stated, adding that the growing use of chemicals to cut drugs only worsens public health risks.
In the Mara Region, 24 acres of cannabis farms were destroyed, and six suspects were arrested.
Meanwhile, in the Coastal Zone, covering Mtwara, Pwani, and Ruvuma regions, authorities seized 322.201 kilograms of cannabis, eight cannabis rolls, and 216 cannabis blocks, while arresting eight suspects and demolishing four acres of cannabis crops.
The Southern Highlands Zone, particularly Mbeya Region, saw the confiscation of 21 kilograms of cannabis and the arrest of 11 individuals.
Mr Lyimo urged the public to cooperate with the DCEA by providing confidential information about those involved in the drug trade. "Together, we can protect our communities from the dangerous effects of drugs," he said.
In Haubi, a village in Dodoma, Ward Executive Officer Ms Fatina Ramadhani acknowledged that some locals have been engaged in cannabis farming and called for an end to the practice.
She shared that community meetings are being held to educate residents about the dangers of drug use and illegal cultivation.
Forest Officer Amon Titus Mlimwa commended the village leadership for their proactive stance in clearing cannabis from the area, noting the continued importance of daily patrols to ensure long-term success.
"These forests are our collective resource, and we will continue our patrols with the full support of village and ward leaders to ensure the protection of our environment and community," he said.
