Winning the fight against drug abuse begins at home

ZANZIBAR: THE call by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi for society to unite in the fight against drug abuse is both timely and necessary.

While government agencies have made remarkable progress in disrupting drug trafficking networks and strengthening rehabilitation services, the battle against narcotics cannot be won by law enforcement alone.

It requires the active participation of families, religious institutions, schools and communities in shaping a generation that rejects drugs and embraces responsible citizenship.

Drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to the country’s social and economic development. It robs young people of their health, productivity and dreams while placing a heavy burden on families, healthcare systems and the justice sector.

As President Mwinyi rightly observed, protecting the nation’s workforce and future generations begins with proper upbringing, where parents instil discipline, respect, integrity and sound moral values from an early age. The family remains the first school of character.

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Children who grow up in stable, caring and value-driven homes are better equipped to resist peer pressure and make responsible choices. Parents must therefore take a more active interest in their children’s lives by guiding them, listening to their concerns and creating an environment where open communication thrives. In today’s rapidly changing world, parenting cannot be left to chance.

Religious leaders also have a critical role to play. Their influence extends beyond places of worship into communities where they can reinforce messages of hope, self-discipline and personal responsibility. Dr Mwinyi’s appeal during Ashura for believers to strengthen their faith through prayer, fasting and good deeds highlights the importance of moral guidance in building resilient young people capable of resisting harmful influences.

The encouraging findings contained in the 2025 National Drug Situation Report demonstrate that Tanzania is making significant progress. The seizure of more than 1,074 tonnes of narcotic substances, combined with intensified destruction of cannabis farms, expanded intelligence gathering and broader public awareness campaigns, reflects the government’s determination to dismantle drug networks.

The decline in cannabis seizures compared to the previous year suggests that sustained enforcement is disrupting production at its source and reducing supply. However, the emergence of new threats such as kratom serves as a reminder that criminal networks constantly adapt their methods.

The seizure of nearly 30 tonnes of the substance after it was imported disguised as fertiliser illustrates the sophistication of traffickers and underscores the need for continued vigilance.

Law enforcement agencies must therefore remain adequately equipped with modern technology, skilled personnel and strong regional cooperation to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics. The fight against drugs is not a responsibility reserved for government alone.

Every parent, teacher, religious leader, community elder and citizen has a role to play. By combining effective law enforcement with strong family values, moral guidance, quality education and accessible rehabilitation services, Tanzania can build communities where young people are protected from the lure of drugs and empowered to realise their full potential.