Summary
The seized boat had been under surveillance for a considerable period, having been repeatedly used to smuggle khat into the country via the Indian Ocean route.
DODOMA: THE Tanzania’s narcotics drug watchdog authority, the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized a speedboat used to transport a consignment of khat from Mombasa, Kenya.
The boat was smuggling the illicit grasses through Bagamoyo District in Coast Region.
The operation, conducted on the night at Magambani shoreline in the Kaole Ufundi area, led to the recovery of 18 sacks containing a total of 1,062 packets of miraa. Four suspects were arrested during the raid.
DCEA Commissioner General, Mr Aretas Lyimo identified the suspects as Mr Jamal Faki (35) and Shari Salim (28), both residents of Tanga Region, along with Sebastian Shirima (28), a resident of Temeke and James Kimaro (27), a resident of Buza in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Lyimo said the seized boat had been under surveillance for a considerable period, having been repeatedly used to smuggle khat into the country via the Indian Ocean route.
“This boat has been used for a long time to transport khat by sea from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, and we have been tracking it closely. Recently, we reported that khat seizures have surpassed other narcotic drugs in volume and this vessel was responsible for bringing in large quantities.
By intercepting it, we have significantly weakened a key drug trafficking network in the country,” he said.
He explained that traffickers have recently shifted tactics following intensified operations against more dangerous drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.
Crackdowns, including the destruction of khat consignments in Same District, have pushed traffickers to increasingly rely on smuggling khat from Kenya.
Mr Lyimo added that the authority is continuing with sustained nationwide operations to curb the production and distribution of illicit drugs.
These include destroying cannabis farms and tracking emerging trafficking networks. He called on members of the public to cooperate closely with the authority by providing information that could help dismantle the illegal trade.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the entry of illicit drugs into the country is completely controlled and stern action will be taken against anyone involved in this business,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the local tencell leader in Kaole Ufundi subvillage, Mr Dominic Masika, commended the government for its decisive efforts in combating drug trafficking.
“This incident here in Kaole, Magambani demonstrates the government’s genuine commitment to safeguarding citizens’ security. I urge continued operations of this nature, regular patrols and investment in such areas, especially those with dense bushes that can easily be exploited as transit points for drugs,” he said.
Commenting on the root causes of the problem, Mr Masika noted that some youths are drawn into drug-related activities due to lack of proper awareness, despite guidance from parents. He stressed the importance of collaboration among parents, the government and local leaders in addressing the drug menace.
