Zanzibar steps up war on drugs as new authority scores major breakthrough

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S renewed war against narcotics is gathering momentum, with authorities crediting sweeping reforms under President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi for strengthening the islands’ ability to dismantle sophisticated drug networks.

The creation of the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCEA) has already begun to yield results, with a recent operation uncovering narcotics cleverly disguised in snack products such as chocolates, cashew nuts and electronic cigarettes, an alarming tactic aimed at luring young users.

A series of bold anti-drug reforms introduced in recent years are transforming the way Zanzibar confronts one of its most persistent social threats, drug trafficking and addiction.

At the centre of these reforms is the establishment of the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCEA), a specialised agency tasked with coordinating intelligence, enforcement and public awareness in the fight against narcotics.

In a recent operation carried out jointly with the Zanzibar Task Force on Organised Crime, authorities seized more than 7.4 kilogrammes of narcotics hidden in consumer products, including sweets, chocolates, cashew nuts and electronic cigarettes.

The illegal items were discovered during targeted inspections in the Unguja districts of Paje, Jambiani, Mbweni and Shangani.

According to ZDCEA Commissioner Colonel Burhan Zuberi Nassoro, traffickers had adopted an alarming new strategy, embedding narcotic substances such as cannabis, cocaine and LSD inside products designed to look like ordinary snacks.

The items were packaged in brightly coloured wrappers with attractive flavours such as grape ice, mango ice, bubble gum and watermelon, making them particularly appealing to children and young people.

“These products were deliberately designed to look attractive and harmless,” the commissioner said while briefing journalists.

“But inside them were dangerous narcotics that could have caused serious harm to our youth.” Investigators believe the illegal products were being distributed through retail outlets posing as legitimate businesses.

Shops inspected during the operation included Popeyes UK Treatz and Shop N’GO, while a warehouse in Mpendae is suspected of serving as a processing and distribution hub.

Authorities have arrested several suspects connected to the operation. Among them is a Romanian national accused of importing the products through a company known as Zebra Retail Investment and distributing them across Zanzibar and neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Malawi.

Two Tanzanian nationals of Indian origin were also charged after investigators allegedly found the products in their possession. Several vehicles used in the operation, including cars and motorcycles, were confiscated as evidence.

While the arrests mark a significant breakthrough, they also reveal how sophisticated international drug networks have become. Officials say the traffickers’ latest tactic, embedding drugs in everyday consumer products, represents a dangerous shift designed to evade law enforcement while targeting a new generation of users.

Health experts warn that such substances can cause severe consequences including mental health disorders, sudden loss of consciousness, heart complications, lung cancer and even death. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable.

If left unchecked, authorities say the spread of such products could dramatically increase addiction rates among young people, undermine public health and fuel other forms of crime. But the government insists it will not allow that to happen.

Speaking during a briefing on the government’s achievements, Acting Minister in the Office of the First Vice-President Mr Hamza Hassan Juma said the crackdown reflects President Mwinyi’s firm commitment to dismantling narcotics networks.

“The President established this authority specifically to strengthen the fight against drugs,” the minister said. “And he has given the commissioner full authority under the law to carry out his duties.”

The minister revealed that the commissioner himself has recently received threats following the arrests, an indication of how powerful some drug networks may be. Despite the intimidation attempts, authorities say enforcement will continue without compromise.

“The time for intimidation is over,” Hamza said. “Anyone involved in drug trafficking, regardless of their status or influence, will face the full force of the law.”

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The government has already taken additional steps, including shutting down businesses linked to the suspects and confiscating properties worth more than two billion Tanzanian shillings believed to have been acquired through drug trafficking.

Plans are underway to construct a modern rehabilitation centre in Pemba, including specialised treatment services for women, part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the social and health consequences of drug abuse.

Authorities are also urging parents, guardians and the wider public to remain vigilant about unfamiliar consumer products, particularly those marketed aggressively to young people.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities through a 24-hour toll-free hotline or directly to antidrug offices in Unguja and Pemba.

For Commissioner Nassor and his team, the message is clear: The fight against narcotics will require the participation of the entire society. “Zanzibar without drugs is possible if every citizen plays their part,” he said.

As the islands continue to tighten enforcement and strengthen institutions, the government believes the reforms introduced under President Mwinyi are laying the foundation for a safer and healthier future, especially for Zanzibar’s youth.