DCEA warns of drugs being concealed in food

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has warned the public about emerging tactics by drug traffickers involving the concealment of narcotic substances in food products, potentially exposing unsuspecting people, including children, to drugs.

DCEA Western Zone officer, Thuwaba Ahmed, said some food products suspected of containing narcotic substances had already been seized during ongoing enforcement operations.

Speaking during a campaign against illicit drugs, Ms Ahmed said traffickers were adopting new methods to introduce narcotic substances through products that appeared to be ordinary food.

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“Parents and guardians should ensure children do not accept food from strangers because traffickers are using food as a means of introducing narcotic substances,” she said.

She also warned people visiting entertainment venues to remain cautious, saying such environments could expose unsuspecting individuals to similar tactics.

Another DCEA officer, Deogratias Ramale, urged the public to support efforts to combat drug trafficking by reporting suspected dealers and producers through the authority’s toll-free number 119.

The officers also expressed concern over drug abuse among young people in parts of Urambo District, saying some secondary schools had been affected by cannabis use among youths and students.

They said drug abuse was associated with a range of social problems, including theft, robbery and sexual violence, and called for stronger cooperation between families, schools, communities and law-enforcement agencies to protect young people from drug-related harm.