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| General Commissioner of DCEA, Mr. Aretas James Lyimo addressing press on September 10, 2024. PHOTO BY Courtesy |
In a significant crackdown, Tanzania's Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) seized 1,815 kilograms of skunk cannabis in a sweeping operation conducted between August 28 and September 2, 2024. The operation took place in the Luguruni Mbezi and Magomeni areas of Dar es Salaam, arresting five suspects.
The apprehended suspects include Richard Henry Mwanri, 47, a businessman residing in Mbezi Makonde, Kinondoni District, and Felista Henry Mwanri, 70, a farmer from Luguruni Mbezi, Ubungo District. Felista is also identified as the owner of the houses where the drugs were discovered.
Others arrested during the operation are Athumani Koja Mohamed, 58, a businessman from Tanga, Omary Chande Mohamed, 32, a Bajaj driver from Buza in Dar es Salaam, and Juma Abdallah Chapa, 36, a resident of Kiwalani in Dar es Salaam.
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| Some of the collected skunk cannabis seized at one of the houses, in Dar es Salaam, operated by the Authority. PHOTO: Courtesy |
Authorities also impounded a Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number T 551 CAB and a Bajaj with registration number MC 844 CZV, both of which were allegedly used in drug transportation.
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| A collection of 1815 kilograms of Skunk Cannabis from the recent operation as displayed by the DCEA Authority. PHOTO BY Courtesy |
According to DCEA, Richard Mwanri is a notorious criminal who has been involved in smuggling drugs into the country, concealing them in vehicles among other goods, and distributing them to dealers across Tanzania. This is part of a worrying trend, with several recent seizures of skunk cannabis.
Skunk is a highly potent processed form of cannabis containing high levels of the chemical Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known to severely impair the nervous system and brain function.
Prolonged use can lead to non-communicable diseases such as heart, kidney, and liver complications. Pregnant women who use skunk risk damaging their unborn child’s brain development, potentially leading to low birth weight and other health issues.
A recent report released on June 26, 2024, by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, Austria, highlighted the increase in THC-laden cannabis products in countries where marijuana has been legalized. The report also noted a rise in demand for rehabilitation services due to cannabis use, alongside a worrying increase in mental health issues and suicide attempts linked to the drug.
The DCEA urged citizens to actively participate in the fight against drug trafficking by reporting individuals involved in this illicit trade. Additionally, customs officers working at border inspection points were called upon to remain vigilant as traffickers continuously devise new methods to smuggle drugs.
This large-scale drug seizure is seen as a significant success for the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Her administration has made notable investments in combating drug-related issues, as part of broader efforts to protect current and future generations from the dangers of narcotics.
The DCEA emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking will remain a priority and that the government will continue to take decisive action against those who contribute to the destruction of the nation’s workforce by engaging in the drug trade.
Over the past three years, Tanzania has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, leading to several high-profile arrests and seizures of large quantities of illicit substances. Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, the government has implemented stricter border controls, increased surveillance, and strengthened law enforcement agencies like the DCEA.
These efforts have disrupted major drug smuggling networks operating within and beyond the country's borders. Public awareness campaigns have also played a key role, encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities, leading to a more active community role in fighting the drug menace.