The Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority has seized a property worth Sh966 million from a suspected drug baron, Said Seif Salum, widely known as Said Obama, in an intensified crackdown on narcotics trafficking in the region.
The house, located in Mtendeni, Urban District, has officially been declared government property under the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, following legal procedures outlined in the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 8 of 2021.
Speaking at a press conference in Migombani, the Authority’s Commissioner General, Colonel Burhan Zubeir Nassor, said the decision was made in accordance with Section 73(1) of the law, after fulfilling the requirements of Section 71.
“Said Obama is suspected to be a key player in an international drug trafficking network operating in the East African region,” said Col. Burhan.
“He is alleged to have coordinated the importation of narcotics from Afghanistan and facilitated their distribution across multiple countries.”he added
According to the Authority, two individuals Ali Mohamed Ali and Fahad Ali Khamis believed to be part of the network, have been arrested and confessed to receiving narcotics from the suspect. Said Obama is believed to have residences in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Kenya.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the fugitive and are offering a cash reward of Sh10 million to anyone who provides credible information leading to his arrest or the discovery of hidden assets linked to drug proceeds, both within and outside Zanzibar.
“This operation demonstrates the government’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and holding perpetrators accountable,” Col. Burhan added.
“We are working closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to ensure all proceeds of crime are recovered and suspects are prosecuted.”he added
In a related development, the Authority announced ten volunteer slots for youth aged 18 to 35 who are ready to voluntarily quit drug use.
The selected individuals will receive free treatment and life skills training at the Drug Rehabilitation and Behavioural Reform Centre in Kidimni, Zanzibar.
“This is part of our broader strategy to not only combat drug trafficking but also offer second chances to young people affected by substance abuse,” Col. Burhan said.
The move is part of Zanzibar’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse and trafficking, which authorities say continues to pose a serious threat to public health and national security.