Warning Issued To Government Officials Collaborating with Drug Traffickers

Commissioner General of the Anti-Corruption and Anti-Drug Authority, Aristas Limo, has cautioned government employees who collaborate with drug traffickers to smuggle drugs through various ports, including Kunduchi Port, Mbweni, Bagamoyo Port, and other clandestine ports along the coast of Dar es Salaam. They are urged to cease immediately, as they risk facing legal consequences if caught.

He made these remarks earlier today while addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam, providing a report on various operations conducted by the authority in Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and the Coast regions from April 4 to April 18, 2024. A total of 767.2 kilograms of various drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, were seized.

Read More: Two million kilos of narcotic drugs seized last year

Additionally, he warned owners of fishing boats collaborating with these traffickers to desist immediately, as surveillance will be intensified, and implicated vessels will be confiscated while their owners face severe legal actions.

Furthermore, the Commissioner emphasized the need for vigilance among cargo transporters due to traffickers often using packaging labeled with names of various coffee types such as Organic, Coffee, Cocoa, and Green Tea to evade suspicion during drug transportation.

The trade and use of narcotics pose a significant security threat globally, particularly considering that young people are the most affected demographic.

According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, the youth, constituting approximately 20,612,560, or 50% of the total population of Tanzania, are heavily impacted by drug abuse. This dependence on drugs undermines national development efforts.

In response to this report, Media Wire interviewed citizens to gather suggestions on how to support young people involved in drug abuse.

Juma Said, a resident of Dar es Salaam, suggested that the government should assist youth in securing employment to alleviate the mental stress that leads them to drug abuse.

Abdallah Ali highlighted that many young people turn to drugs due to relationship issues, urging the government to intensify efforts to apprehend more drug dealers.

Matagwa Kipilipili advised parents to communicate with their children effectively to prevent them from falling into drug abuse and thus safeguard the nation’s future workforce.