Joseph Isangura
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) and the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) are set to launch a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating upcountry bus drivers, conductors, and operators about the laws and dangers of carrying illegal drugs.
The initiative was officially introduced during the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), a major annual event in Tanzania that brings together stakeholders from across sectors. The campaign was unveiled when DCEA Commissioner General Eretas Lyimo visited LATRA’s pavilion and held high-level discussions with LATRA Director General CPA Habibu Suluo.
Commissioner Lyimo emphasized that the public transport sector is a key link in the illegal drug supply chain, often exploited by traffickers who use buses to transport narcotics between regions. He explained that drivers and conductors must be trained to recognize warning signs and avoid becoming unsuspecting participants in the drug trade.
Under the Drug Control and Enforcement Act of 2015, any individual found trafficking drugs in Tanzania faces a minimum of 30 years in prison, and potentially life imprisonment, depending on the drug type and quantity. Vehicles used to transport illegal substances can be permanently seized by the government.
“Drivers must understand that claiming ignorance won’t protect them,” Lyimo said. “Once drugs are found on your bus, you are liable unless proven otherwise.”
He urged operators to hire trustworthy personnel and conduct routine luggage inspections before departure. Even passenger baggage can be used as a front for smuggling, making it essential for crew members to stay alert and informed.
Rather than taking a purely punitive approach, LATRA and DCEA are prioritizing education and prevention. The upcoming training workshops will be held in bus terminals and depots across regions known for high inter-regional travel such as Mwanza, Dodoma, and Mbeya.
These sessions will cover:
- Laws related to drug control and transport
- Inspection techniques for baggage and cargo
- Signs of suspicious passenger behavior
- Emergency response and reporting procedures
LATRA, responsible for overseeing Tanzania’s road transport, will work closely with DCEA to ensure all public transport stakeholders receive clear guidance on legal responsibilities.
Tanzania has made significant strides in reducing its role as a drug trafficking transit route, especially under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The country was once considered a hotbed for smuggling operations linking Asia and Europe via East Africa. However, recent crackdowns, surveillance upgrades, and strategic partnerships have dramatically cut trafficking rates.
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According to reports from international watchdogs, Tanzanians arrested abroad on drug offenses have declined, and domestic seizures have increased due to improved detection technology at airports, border posts, and key bus terminals.
LATRA and DCEA are currently drafting a formal cooperation agreement to launch the campaign in phases. Once approved, it will be rolled out in high-traffic zones and transit corridors where public transport plays a major role in moving goods and people across Tanzania.
The agencies will also work with local governments, bus associations, and law enforcement to ensure broad reach and enforcement of the new measures.
This initiative marks a critical step toward making Tanzania’s public transport system safer and more accountable. By targeting awareness and legal literacy among drivers and crew members, authorities hope to cut off traffickers from one of their most commonly used tools: the intercity bus.
The campaign reflects a broader shift in Tanzania’s fight against narcotics—from reactive arrests to proactive prevention and education.
