DCEA, Kondoa unite against cannabis farming
DODOMA: THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in collaboration with the Kondoa District Defence and Security Committee and residents of Haubi Ward, has successfully conducted a special operation to eradicate cannabis farming in the Haubi Hills Forest Reserve area in Kondoa District, Dodoma Region.
Speaking on behalf of the DCEA Commissioner General, Mr Daniel Kasokola, Deputy Head of Communications at the authority, said the operation, which took place from 14 to 19 May, led to the destruction of 157 acres of cannabis farms in the villages of Ntomoko, Kinyasi and Haubi. Seven suspects are currently in custody for questioning, and two motorcycles were seized during the operation.
“This is the second operation conducted in Kondoa this year. In January, we discovered and destroyed over 500 acres of cannabis. The reduction to 157 acres is clear evidence that residents are beginning to understand and actively participate in these efforts. We commend them for this cooperation,” said Mr Kasokola.
For her part, Kondoa District Commissioner Fatuma Nyangasa stressed that the district government will continue working closely with the DCEA to ensure that cannabis cultivation is completely eliminated.
She said public education campaigns will be sustained to encourage citizens to abandon illegal farming and focus on legitimate and productive crops such as tobacco, sesame, and beans.
“We urge residents to stop growing cannabis. The government is ready to guide them towards legal and profitable agriculture. Cooperation between the government and the people is our strongest weapon in transforming our communities,” said the DC .
Mr Shaibu Kalinga, Chairman of Mafai Village, admitted that cannabis farming had a long-standing presence in the village, but local leaders are now committed to leading the fight against the illegal crop.
“In the past, cannabis was part of life for some farmers here, but now we understand its dangers. We’re committed to educating people and promoting only legal farming,” said Shaibu Hamis Kalinga.
Mf Rajabu Hamis, a resident of Mafai Village, applauded the efforts of the DCEA and the government for bringing about positive change that has reshaped public perceptions of cannabis.
“We used to grow cannabis because we had no alternatives, but after receiving education and witnessing the government’s efforts, we’ve chosen to abandon cannabis and join the authorities in eradicating it,” said Mr Hamis.
The DCEA has reiterated its commitment to taking firm action against anyone involved in the cultivation, trade, or distribution of cannabis and other illegal drugs.
The authority has also called on citizens to continue cooperating by providing accurate and timely information to aid the national war on drugs.
