Tanga Police arrest 42 in major crime crackdown

TANGA: POLICE in Tanga Region have arrested 42 suspects in a crackdown targeting crime hotspots across the city, as law enforcement ramps up efforts to maintain public safety.

Tanga Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Almachius Muchunguzi, said the special operation, which began on June 15th this year, targeted individuals and groups engaged in robbery, drug trafficking and possession of unregistered motorcycles and illegal fuel.

Among those arrested were five suspects linked to a violent robbery against teacher Katwiju Silagi of Posta Secondary School. Police also recovered 28 motorcycles, nine without registration plates, suspected to be used in criminal acts.

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Six suspects were caught with narcotics, including 47 rolls and 15 sachets of illegal drugs, while another six had large bundles of cannabis. Forensic analysis is ongoing.

One woman, Tima Chande, was found with 415 litres of petrol and 40 litres of diesel, suspected to be linked to black-market activity.

ACP Muchunguzi said investigations continue and pledged that the crackdown will continue until criminal activities are rooted out. He urged public cooperation to help keep Tanga safe.