Police arrest 69 suspects in Tanga security crackdown

TANGA: POLICE in Tanga Region have arrested 69 suspects in a sweeping security crackdown targeting a range of criminal activities across the region.

Tanga Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Almachius Muchunguzi recently said the arrests were made during a series of recent operations aimed at protecting lives and property.

The suspects face a variety of charges, including disorderly conduct, theft, burglary, phone snatching, online fraud, drug trafficking and the distribution of counterfeit alcohol.

In one of the key operations, police arrested a 52-year-old man, Athuman Ramadhani, who was found in possession of 46 cartons of counterfeit alcohol branded “Good Life,” along with equipment used for forgery.

“Two other suspects were apprehended with narcotics, including cannabis and khat,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, nine individuals linked to online fraud through the Q-NET scheme have already been arraigned in court, where their cases are ongoing.

Commander Muchunguzi further disclosed that police have also detained 16 suspects, commonly known as “vishandu,” believed to be involved in phone snatching and theft using motorcycles.

They were arrested with 26 motorcycles—18 of which lacked registration numbers, while four have been confirmed stolen, he added.

ALSO READ: Three arrested over bodaboda rider murder

In a parallel anti-narcotics operation conducted between March and April 2026, a total of 26 suspects were arrested.

The Regional Commander said traffic police also intensified enforcement, apprehending 911 drivers for violating road safety regulations and issuing various penalties.

Separately, courts have convicted 12 individuals in cases prosecuted during the period.

The offences included sodomy, incest, assault, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, theft and providing false information.

The convicted individuals received various prison sentences. Tanga Police have assured the public of continued security and called on residents to cooperate by reporting criminal activities to enable swift legal action.