DCEA intercepts precursor chemicals capable of massive narcotics production
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in collaboration with the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), has intercepted 66,048 litres of precursor chemicals believed to have the potential to produce large quantities of illicit drugs.
The chemicals were seized during a special operation conducted in Dar es Salaam in April this year as part of intensified efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and illegal chemical diversion.
According to DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo, the consignment included 16,048 litres of Cyclohexanone and 50,000 litres of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), all of which had allegedly been imported and transported in violation of legal procedures governing industrial chemicals.
Authorities also impounded two vehicles used in transporting the chemicals and arrested two suspects in connection with the operation.
Commissioner General Lyimo said growing global restrictions on narcotics trafficking have forced criminal networks to increasingly rely on precursor chemicals to manufacture drugs in clandestine laboratories.
“Although such chemicals are legally used in industries, medicine, agriculture, construction, mining and scientific research, criminal syndicates often divert them for illegal narcotics production,” he stated.
Mr Lyimo revealed that the Cyclohexanone chemicals were imported into the country by Kinglion Investment Company Limited without complying with mandatory control systems, including obtaining permits from relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the Extra Neutral Alcohol was allegedly being transported using fuel tankers labelled “Danger Petroleum 3YE 1203” under forged permits.
The chemicals were reportedly being moved from Maranile Group Company Limited based in Kibaha, Coast Region.
During the operation, authorities arrested Bakira Abel Zacharia (44), a Dar es Salaam resident and driver of a motor vehicle with registration number T 794 BMB attached to trailer tank T 166 AHW, which was carrying 30,000 litres of the chemicals.
Another suspect, Vicent Stephen Rashid (26), a resident of Mbeya, was arrested while driving a vehicle with registration number T 568 EQF with trailer tank T 640 EQN carrying 20,000 litres of the chemicals.
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The Authority noted that the manner in which the chemicals were imported and transported strongly indicated criminal intent to divert them for illegal purposes, including narcotics manufacturing.
Cyclohexanone is among chemicals internationally associated with the production of the narcotic drug Phencyclidine (PCP), commonly known as “angel dust”.
The seized 16,048 litres of Cyclohexanone could have produced approximately 11.4 tonnes of PCP if diverted for illegal use, considering that one kilogramme of the chemical can generate about 750 grammes of the narcotic substance.
Under the Industrial and Consumer Chemicals (Management and Control) Act, Chapter 182, transportation and importation of industrial chemicals require special permits and strict adherence to established procedures.
The use of forged permits and provision of false information regarding intended chemical use constitute criminal offences under Tanzanian law.
Authorities further stated that transporting chemicals secretly using petrol tankers represents a serious violation of chemical control regulations and signals possible attempts to conceal illegal activities.
In a parallel nationwide crackdown conducted in Dodoma, Mtwara, Njombe, Ruvuma, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Mwanza regions, the DCEA seized 5.733 tonnes of cannabis, 1.67 tonnes of khat, 48.23 grammes of heroin and 113.35 grammes of cocaine.
The operation also led to the destruction of 38.5 acres of cannabis farms, while four vehicles and 14 motorcycles linked to the illegal trade were confiscated. A total of 84 suspects were arrested in connection with the nationwide operations.
