Joseph Isangura
Tanzania is stepping up its role in the global fight against drug trafficking, forging new partnerships with leading chemical-producing nations to tighten control over dangerous substances used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.
The announcement was made yesterday in Dar es Salaam by Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo, head of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), who recently led the country’s delegation to the 39th International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC39) held in Nashville, Tennessee from August 26 to 28.
According to Commissioner Lyimo, Tanzania also held discussions with countries cultivating the kratom plant — known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa — a controversial substance increasingly linked to the production of a new narcotic drug. While kratom remains a subject of debate worldwide, many nations where it is grown already classify it as a dangerous drug, and Tanzania has pledged to strengthen cooperation in curbing its misuse.
One of the key outcomes of the conference was an agreement with the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), which committed to supporting Tanzania with modern forensic and intelligence-gathering equipment. These tools are expected to significantly boost the country’s ability to investigate drug crimes and track cross-border trafficking networks.
Regional cooperation was also a highlight. Commissioner Lyimo met with Nigerian drug enforcement chief Brigadier General Muhammad Buba Marwa, where the two nations agreed to fast-track collaborative strategies to combat trafficking routes across Africa. Analysts believe such joint initiatives could strengthen regional resilience against increasingly sophisticated criminal syndicates.
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Observers say Tanzania’s latest moves reflect the broader vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan (Wikipedia), whose administration has prioritized stronger global engagement and investment in advanced crime-fighting technologies. Under her leadership, the government has expanded border security, introduced digital surveillance systems, enhanced officer training, and rolled out nationwide awareness campaigns targeting young people vulnerable to drug abuse.
Beyond enforcement, the initiatives also tie into the country’s National Development Vision 2050, which emphasizes public health, safety, and social stability as foundations for sustainable growth. Officials argue that tackling drug threats is not only a matter of law and order, but also essential for protecting future generations.
The IDEC39 forum, themed “Global Cooperation for a Safer Future,” provided a platform for countries to share strategies on emerging challenges, including synthetic narcotics, digital drug markets, and money laundering. For Tanzania, the event marked a turning point — a chance to show its readiness to confront evolving drug threats through modern technology, cross-border teamwork, and stronger global alliances.
With its new commitments and reinforced partnerships, Tanzania is positioning itself as a proactive force in international drug enforcement, determined to confront both traditional and emerging narcotics threats head-on.
