Massive drug haul: Over 33 tonnes seized in three months

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized a massive haul of over 33 tonnes of narcotics in a nationwide crackdown over the past three months.

The extensive operation resulted in the arrest of 940 suspects and the confiscation of numerous assets linked to illicit drug trafficking. DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo told reporters in Dar es Salaam on Monday that the seizures included 33,077.613 kilogrammes of various drugs.

In addition to the narcotics, authorities also impounded 4,553 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds and destroyed 64 acres of cannabis plantations.

The crackdown led to several notable arrests and the interception of diverse drug shipments, revealing sophisticated smuggling methods.

He said in Dar es Salaam, authorities arrested three suspects, including a Lebanese national, with 2.443 kilogrammes of cocaine that had been smuggled into the country from Brazil via Kenya and Uganda.

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Another operation at Bahari Beach in Dar es Salaam resulted in the arrest of a US citizen and his Tanzanian wife, who were found in possession of 11 bottles of Ketamine and cannabis.

DCEA agents also foiled an attempt to smuggle 10.37 kilogrammes of heroin hidden inside tea packaging, leading to the arrest of four individuals, he said. He said beyond the major seizures, the authority also intercepted 50 electronic cigarettes containing cannabis and harmful chemicals.

These e-cigarettes were found to contain dangerous substances such as THC, benzene and heavy metals like cadmium, lead and mercury, which can cause severe health problems, including cancer and birth defects, he said.

Commissioner Lyimo further said in the Mara Region, a notorious cannabis producer and trafficker, Masero Muhabe, was arrested and authorities confiscated 6.5 tonnes of cannabis from his possession. He stated that these successful operations are part of a broader national effort to protect Tanzania’s security, economy and citizens’ well-being.

He said DCEA is committed to not only seizing narcotics but also educating the public on the severe dangers of drug abuse.