Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s fight against narcotics has taken a dramatic turn after authorities intercepted 30 tonnes of mitragyna speciosa—commonly known as kratom—smuggled into the country disguised as agricultural fertilizer.
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) confirmed that the latest seizure involved 18.5 tonnes of the illicit substance, neatly packed in 756 bags and concealed inside a 40-foot shipping container. Officials say the shipment had entered the country with all necessary paperwork, making it appear legitimate.
Laboratory tests later revealed that the so-called “fertilizer” was in fact a narcotic drug intended for distribution in both local and international markets. This discovery follows a similar bust in June, when authorities confiscated 11.5 tonnes of kratom, also hidden in a container labeled as fertilizer.
According to DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo, seven suspects—five Tanzanians and two Sri Lankan nationals—have been arrested in connection with the latest incident. “Investigations indicate these suspects were also behind the June shipment and have carried out similar operations in other countries without being detected,” Lyimo said.
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is used recreationally for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. While it has traditional uses in certain cultures, health experts warn that its abuse can lead to addiction, respiratory problems, and even death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies have issued strong cautions against its consumption.
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The DCEA says it has recently upgraded its testing capacity to detect more than 12,000 different types of narcotics, including over 1,300 newly identified substances. This enhancement, officials believe, will make it harder for traffickers to exploit loopholes in the system.
Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam has become a focal point in the battle against drug smuggling, with criminal networks increasingly using sophisticated concealment methods to bypass inspections. Experts warn that as enforcement agencies strengthen their capabilities, smugglers may adapt with even more creative tactics.
The World Drug Report 2024 highlights the growing challenge of new psychoactive substances—synthetic or plant-based drugs that are often legal in some jurisdictions but potentially more harmful than traditional narcotics.
Officials say the latest bust not only disrupts a major trafficking network but also sends a strong message to smugglers: Tanzania is stepping up its fight against illegal drugs, no matter how well they are hidden.
