Joseph Isangura
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in collaboration with local law enforcement, has seized an unprecedented 2,207 kilograms of narcotics and controlled substances during a series of operations in the Tanga and Dar es Salaam regions.
The operations led to the arrests of seven individuals, including suspected traffickers and facilitators, now in custody as investigations continue.
DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo detailed the haul, which included 1,500.6 kilograms of cannabis (commonly referred to as skunk), 687.76 kilograms of methamphetamine, 19.2 kilograms of heroin, and several bottles of fentanyl-laced medications. The discovery marks a significant victory in Tanzania’s fight against drug trafficking.
Key arrests occurred on November 14, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, where suspects Mohamed Suleiman Bakar and Sullesh Said Mhailoh were apprehended with over 1,350 kilograms of cannabis stored in a rented facility and a vehicle ready for distribution.
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Similarly, in Ubungo District, another suspect, Iddy Mohamed Iddy, was caught concealing 150 kilograms of cannabis in soap cartons and hidden compartments of a truck registered in South Africa.
Subsequent raids in Tanga on November 17 revealed 706 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine stashed in vehicles and properties linked to suspects Ally Kassim Ally and Fahadi Ally Kassim.
Commissioner Lyimo emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging property owners to scrutinize tenants and report suspicious activity. He reminded the public that the law permits authorities to seize properties used for narcotics trafficking.
