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| A DCEA Central Zone officer, representing Acting Assistant Commissioner Mzee Kasuwi, visited the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority booth at the 2024 Nane Nane Exhibition in Dodoma. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dodoma: In a compelling call to action, Assistant Commissioner of the Central Zone at the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), Mzee Kasuwi, urged civil society organizations to intensify their efforts in the fight against drug abuse. He highlighted their crucial role in shaping progressive drug policies and providing essential support to families affected by addiction.
Kasuwi emphasized that these organizations have the power to influence reforms, lead harm reduction campaigns, and offer vital educational resources, making them key players in tackling the drug crisis.
Speaking in Dodoma on September 6, 2024, during the Annual Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Forum, Kasuwi outlined the pressing need for collective efforts in curbing the growing menace of drug abuse in Tanzania. His speech highlighted the urgency of NGOs in advocating for legal reforms and supporting public health initiatives to tackle the issue at its core.
Kasuwi acknowledged the significant contribution of the U.S. and U.K. embassies in supporting Tanzania's drug control efforts. He also extended a hand to the European Union, urging them to collaborate with the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) and the Tanzanian government in the battle against illegal narcotics.
His plea came at a time when the DCEA continued its public outreach, educating communities on the dangers of drug misuse. On August 6, 2024, the DCEA participated in the Nanenane Agricultural Fair in Dodoma, where senior public education officer Said Madadi underscored the agency’s mission to reduce the demand for drugs by raising awareness across different sectors.
Madadi, speaking to the press, explained that the DCEA’s involvement in the fair was part of their strategy to curb drug use, specifically targeting young people and farmers, some of whom are engaged in illegal marijuana and khat cultivation.
He warned that growing such crops often leads to deforestation, as farmers clear forests to plant these illegal substances. He also cautioned that communities deeply involved in the cultivation of cannabis and khat often neglect legal food crops, creating food insecurity and economic instability in their regions.
The dangers of these drugs are not limited to cultivation. Madadi went on to explain the health risks associated with drug use. He highlighted the severe impact of khat on the body, which includes stomach ulcers, cancer, insomnia, and a high risk of fatal accidents for drivers. Cannabis, according to Madadi, is often the gateway to harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
It can trigger mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. He stressed that cannabis contains over 400 chemicals, with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most harmful, as it disrupts brain function and causes users to experience hallucinations.
DCEA's Senior Pharmacist Upendo Chenya added that the authority has been working closely with the Ministry of Health to enhance drug treatment services across the country. She noted that more than 16 rehabilitation centers have been established, registering over 17,000 drug addicts, where they receive free medical and psychological services.
During the Nanenane fair, various stakeholders visited the DEA’s booth, learning about the health and social consequences of drug abuse. The exhibition also provided crucial information on the laws governing drug control, the treatment options available for addicts, and advice for families dealing with the devastating effects of drug dependency.
Kasuwi’s emphasis on collaboration between NGOs and the government came with a strong appeal for civil society to support families affected by drug addiction. He noted that NGOs are well-positioned to offer counseling, educational resources, and peer support groups to help families cope with the profound impact of drug abuse.
Beyond providing direct support, NGOs could also contribute by conducting research on drug use trends, evaluating the effectiveness of various intervention programs, and studying the wider implications of drug-related issues. Such research could inform policy decisions and enhance the efficacy of existing programs.
Kasuwi also praised DCEA’s cooperation with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in raising public awareness and urged citizens and civil organizations to report drug-related activities through the free hotline 119 or report corruption via the number 113.
He called on more than 6,771 NGOs in the country to take a proactive stance in reporting drug crimes, reinforcing that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse requires collective vigilance.
While Tanzania ramps up its efforts in combating drug abuse, the issue remains a broader challenge for East Africa. Countries like Kenya and Uganda are also grappling with the rise of drug trafficking and abuse.
Kenya has intensified its efforts through its National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), focusing on rehabilitating drug users and raising awareness in coastal areas, which have been key drug transit points. Uganda, through its National Drug Authority (NDA), has increased border security and established treatment centers for recovering addicts.
Globally, nations have adopted varying strategies in addressing drug abuse. Portugal’s groundbreaking decriminalization policy has shown that shifting the focus from criminal punishment to treatment and harm reduction can yield positive results. The country has witnessed a significant decrease in drug-related deaths and HIV infections since implementing the policy. Similarly, Switzerland's heroin-assisted treatment programs have provided a safe alternative for addicts, drastically reducing overdose deaths and drug-related crime.
Kasuwi's speech marked a critical moment in Tanzania's ongoing battle against drugs. By calling on NGOs and international partners to work hand in hand with the government, his message was clear: the fight against drug abuse is a shared responsibility.
He emphasized that Tanzania must learn from both regional and global efforts to devise strategies that address the unique challenges the country faces in curbing drug abuse and ensuring a safer, healthier future for its people. As Prof Ibrahim Lipumba noted, 'Effective solutions to drug abuse require a global perspective and local action. Only by understanding and integrating diverse approaches can we create a safer and healthier society for our future generations.'"