Joseph Isangura
Tanzanian anti-drug authorities have arrested six suspects, including two Chinese nationals, following a high-stakes operation that exposed the trafficking of dangerous substances commonly associated with memory loss and criminal activity.
Speaking at a press briefing in the commercial capital, Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) confirmed the arrests, which took place near Posta in downtown Dar es Salaam, one of Tanzania’s busiest urban hubs.
Authorities say the suspects were caught red-handed while allegedly ferrying a variety of powerful narcotics, including 1.42 grams of methamphetamine, 1,000 tablets of Rohypnol, and 1.92 kilograms of ketamine—substances that are illegal under Tanzanian law and widely abused in social settings to incapacitate victims.
“These are not just ordinary drugs. They are often misused in nightclubs, mixed into drinks without consent, and used to commit serious crimes like sexual assault and robbery,” Lyimo said.
Though ketamine and Rohypnol were originally developed for medical use—one as an anesthetic, the other as a sleep aid—both have been repurposed in dangerous ways. Rohypnol, known colloquially as the “date rape drug,” has earned notoriety for its ability to erase memory and immobilize users, while ketamine’s dissociative effects are frequently misused to render individuals defenseless.
Methamphetamine, also called “crystal meth” or “ice,” is a powerful stimulant that can cause severe physical and psychological dependence. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), meth abuse is on the rise globally, and its presence in East Africa is increasingly concerning.
Authorities have urged Tanzanians to remain cautious, especially when approached by strangers asking them to carry bags or packages. “Some unsuspecting people have become drug couriers without even knowing it,” Lyimo warned.
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The DCEA emphasized the importance of vigilance in airports, bus terminals, and public places, noting that traffickers often target innocent-looking travelers as mules to avoid detection.
This case is part of a broader trend. In 2024 alone, Tanzania recorded its highest-ever annual drug seizure, intercepting more than 2,327 tonnes of illegal substances, including cannabis, heroin, methamphetamine, and pharmaceutical sedatives. The DCEA attributes the success to enhanced surveillance, regional cooperation, and tip-offs from the public.
If convicted, the suspects may face harsh penalties under the Tanzania Drug Control and Enforcement Act, which includes long prison terms or even life sentences for those found guilty of trafficking controlled substances.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to determine whether this group is part of a larger international trafficking network. Authorities have hinted that more arrests could follow.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious behavior through the DCEA’s toll-free line 119, as part of the country’s effort to curb the importation, distribution, and misuse of narcotic drugs.
