editor
Seven people, including two foreign nationals from Sri Lanka, have been charged before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam for allegedly trafficking over 11.5 tonnes of a suspected herbal narcotic substance.
The consignment, weighing 11,596.43 kilograms, was discovered hidden in fertilizer bags and is believed to be Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical plant commonly known as kratom.
Accused Individuals
The accused are:
- Riziki Shaweji – Resident of Masaki
- Andrew Nyembe – Masaki
- Mariam Ngatila – Masaki
- Ramadhan Sanze – Kifuru
- Godwin Mafikiri – Oysterbay
- Jagath Madduma – Kinondoni
- Santhush Ruminda – Kinondoni
The alleged offense took place on July 1, 2025, in Sokota, within Temeke District in the commercial capital of Tanzania.
Presenting the case, State Attorney Eric Davies told the court that the suspects face charges under Tanzania’s anti-narcotics laws, due to the high volume of the substance involved. According to Tanzanian law, any drug seizure exceeding 10 kilograms is considered a non-bailable offence.
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Magistrate Franko Kiswaga, presiding over the matter, emphasized that since the charges are severe, the Resident Magistrate’s Court does not have jurisdiction to hear the full case. Instead, it will be referred to the High Court of Tanzania. The case, listed as Criminal Case No. 19066/2025, has been postponed to August 19, 2025, pending the completion of investigations.
What Is Mitragyna Speciosa?
Mitragyna speciosa, or kratom, is a plant native to Southeast Asia, especially in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Though used traditionally as a stimulant and mild pain reliever, kratom contains psychoactive alkaloids, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain.
While some claim it offers therapeutic benefits, many health agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warn of its addictive potential, adverse health effects, and lack of medical approval.
Tanzania’s Stance on Herbal Narcotics
The incident highlights growing concerns about East Africa’s vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks. Tanzania, due to its strategic ports and porous borders, is increasingly being used as a transit route for illicit substances.
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) in Tanzania has been stepping up enforcement measures in recent years, especially following a series of high-profile drug-related arrests and seizures.
All seven accused remain in custody and will reappear in court later this month. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the massive herbal shipment, and whether more suspects may be involved.
