By Our Reporter
Tanga residents have been assured of continued efforts to maintain peace and security after police arrested 200 suspects linked to various criminal offences, with 51 already convicted and sentenced by courts.
The arrests were conducted between June 1 and July 16, 2026, as part of intensified police operations targeting crime and improving public safety across Tanga Region.
Tanga Regional Police Commander ACP Almachius Mchunguzi said the security situation in the region remains stable, adding that law enforcement agencies will continue working with citizens to prevent and address criminal activities.
He said those arrested were linked to offences including drug-related crimes, robbery, theft, possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of government trophies, destruction of public infrastructure, counterfeit currency and other criminal activities.
Among the suspects convicted by courts were individuals found guilty of serious offences including rape, defilement, incest, drug trafficking, livestock theft and illegal entry into the country.
ACP Mchunguzi said Julius Mustafa and Kilimo Issaya were each sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of defilement and incest-related offences, while Sadiki Waziri received a 30-year jail term for drug trafficking.
In the fight against drug abuse, police arrested 29 suspects during separate operations. Fourteen suspects were found with 750 bundles of miraa weighing 45 kilogrammes, while 15 others were arrested with cannabis in various forms, including rolls, packets and small packages.
Police also recovered government trophies and wildlife-related items from five suspects, alongside materials believed to have been stolen from TANESCO and road infrastructure projects.
Other recovered items included counterfeit Kenyan banknotes, 10 television sets, 25 mobile phones and other properties suspected to have been obtained through theft.
ACP Mchunguzi called on residents to continue cooperating with police by providing information on criminal activities, saying public participation is key to strengthening security and protecting communities.
The operations reflect ongoing efforts by authorities to safeguard lives, property and public infrastructure while ensuring that individuals involved in criminal acts face legal action.
