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| This decision arose from fears that emerged during the cannabis eradication operation. Photo: Courtesy |
By The Respondent reporter
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with security forces, including the police and reserve forces, has conducted a historic three-week operation in Tarime and Serengeti districts of the Mara region to combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs, particularly cannabis.
The operation targeted villages in the Masinki Valley, including Matongo, Nyarwana, and Weigita, as well as Nkerege, Kembwe, Nyakunguru, Iseresere, and the Mara River valley.
After the operation, which concluded on October 8, 2024, Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo announced that a total of 3,007.5 acres of cannabis plantations were destroyed. Additionally, authorities seized 7,832.5 kilograms of dry cannabis and 452 kilograms of cannabis seeds, resulting in the arrest of 17 suspects, who have already been arraigned in court.
Commissioner Lyimo emphasized that this operation is part of the government's efforts to protect communities from the harms of drug abuse and urged the public to cooperate by reporting drug-related activities.
The authority has found that cannabis cultivation in Mara is often funded by citizens from neighboring countries who provide capital to local farmers, who then harvest the cannabis for transport and sale.
“We are giving the people of Mara three months to completely abandon cannabis farming. After that period, we will conduct another large-scale operation to ensure these areas are repurposed and no longer used for cannabis cultivation. Anyone supporting this crime will face legal consequences to ensure that all citizens comply with national laws,” Lyimo stated.
Tarime District Commissioner Edward Gowele acknowledged the challenge of cannabis farming, especially in the Mara River valley, and confirmed that the government has begun taking decisive action to address the issue.
“We have started educating the community about the dangers of cannabis and the potential losses associated with its cultivation. Many have promised to cease cannabis farming,” Gowele added.
Mwita Mataro, a water officer from the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board and resource manager for Mara, underlined the board's commitment to protecting and developing water resources without allowing any form of degradation.
“We have witnessed cannabis being cultivated in the Mara River basin. Water resource regulations prohibit illegal cannabis farming. Even legal crops must be grown at least 60 meters from the river. Those cultivating cannabis are contributing to the degradation of water sources, as rain will wash the soil into the river,” Mataro explained.
He added that the board has developed a plan for the northern watershed that outlines activities suitable for water sources, and they will oversee the implementation of these plans to ensure water conservation.
Lepapa Molel, an agricultural officer from the Mara Regional Commissioner’s office, noted that many farmers depend on water from the Mara River for cannabis cultivation. “I advise farmers to transition to growing food crops that can provide both sustenance and income instead of cannabis,” he suggested.
In an unexpected turn of events, residents of Nkerege village in the Kiore ward of Tarime have decided to collaborate with the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority in eradicating cannabis farms to restore peace and stability in their community.
This decision arose from fears that emerged during the cannabis eradication operation, causing people to flee their homes out of fear of arrest, which disrupted their social and economic activities.
Rhobi John, a councilor from Kiore ward, stated that the residents of Nkerege unanimously rejected cannabis, promising that it would no longer be cultivated in their village.
“Last night, men, women, and youth decided that cannabis will not be seen again; we will police ourselves. If you see someone cultivating it, you must follow up and report,” he said, expressing gratitude to the legal team from the authority for providing education, as many women and youth were unaware of the implications of cannabis farming.
Elder Julius Zakaria Matiku, a traditional leader among the Wasweta clan, added, “We have agreed to destroy cannabis to eliminate this issue of fear. Anyone caught cultivating cannabis will be fined five cows.” He further stressed the elders’ responsibility to ensure that the laws are upheld in the village.
Burima Marwa Nyawise, the village secretary, also affirmed their decision to eradicate cannabis to allow for the cultivation of other crops like maize and sunflower while continuing to raise livestock in the area.
“This land is suitable for growing various crops, so cannabis has served its purpose. Now, children can stay home, and women can cook for their families. Our goal is to ensure we eradicate cannabis farming,” he stated.
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority continues nationwide operations to eradicate illegal drugs from agriculture and industries, aiming to secure a drug-free Tanzania. It is everyone’s responsibility to combat drug abuse and ensure we do not contribute to the destruction of our nation by continuing to cultivate and trade illegal drugs.