Our Reporter,
Tanzanian authorities have destroyed 68 acres of illicit cannabis farms and arrested seven suspects during a coordinated anti-drug operation in forest reserves in the country’s western region.
The operation was carried out by the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Services Agency and regional security committees.
It targeted the Igombe River forest reserve in Uyui district and the Nyahua forest reserve in Sikonge district.
Authorities also seized 133 sacks of cannabis during the operation.
Speaking to journalists, DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo said the agency is currently implementing a special nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating domestically cultivated narcotics.
“We are conducting targeted operations to destroy drugs produced within the country, especially as the availability of industrial narcotics declines,” Lyimo said.
He noted that the establishment of a western zonal office in Tabora has strengthened enforcement capacity and improved operational response in the region.
Lyimo also commended regional authorities for their support, saying the collaboration had been key to the success of the operation, particularly in remote forest areas where illegal cultivation is often concealed.
Tabora Regional Commissioner Paul Chacha praised the crackdown and directed forest officers to establish a permanent presence in vulnerable areas to prevent the re-emergence of cannabis farms.
The DCEA said it would continue sustained operations across the country, targeting individuals involved in the cultivation and distribution of illegal drugs.
