By The Respondents reporter
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania's Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has destroyed 3,117.9 hectares of cannabis plantations and arrested 12 suspects during a 16-day operation in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, as authorities intensify efforts to curb illicit drug cultivation.
The operation targeted four villages in Kandawale and Kipatimo wards, where authorities said large-scale cannabis cultivation had continued despite ongoing government efforts to eliminate narcotics production.
DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo said the operation's success was made possible through close cooperation between the anti-drug authority, local communities and village leaders.
"The operation uncovered extensive cannabis plantations established on land owned by villages and hamlets," Lyimo said. "Despite the government's land-use planning initiatives, some residents continue to use communal land for illegal cannabis cultivation."
Lyimo said between 200 and 250 local residents participated each day in clearing the plantations, describing the community's involvement as critical to the success of the operation and the broader fight against narcotics.
He urged anyone cultivating cannabis, or aware of illegal plantations in their communities, to destroy them voluntarily before authorities take enforcement action. He also called on village and ward leaders to strengthen oversight and prevent further cultivation.
The DCEA chief further appealed to managers of national parks and other protected areas to ensure land under their jurisdiction is not used for illegal cannabis farming, warning that legal action would be taken against anyone found facilitating or failing to prevent such activities.
Residents of Nandete Village, including Veronica Mandai and Nassoro Mbonde, welcomed the operation, saying cannabis cultivation had brought little benefit to the community while exposing young people to drug-related activities.
"We call on young people and women to take the lead in rejecting and eliminating illicit drugs because they pose a serious threat to public health and community development," Mandai said. "Young people are the nation's workforce. If they become involved in drug production or use, they risk losing opportunities to contribute to the country's development."
Kandawale Ward Executive Officer Mohamed Mpame said local authorities would intensify patrols and public awareness campaigns to prevent the return of cannabis cultivation.
"We will strengthen surveillance and continue educating residents to abandon cannabis cultivation and instead use their land for legitimate crops such as cashew nuts," Mpame said.
The DCEA said it will continue conducting nationwide operations in collaboration with communities and other stakeholders to identify and eradicate all areas used for cannabis cultivation and ensure offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
