DCEA cracks down on drug trafficking, arrests dozens

Dar es Salaam. The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has arrested a 32-year-old Comorian national, Ahmed Bakar Abdou, for the illegal transportation of illicit drugs called Methylene Dioxy Provalerone (MDPV).

In a briefing yesterday, the DCEA also stated that a total of 72 suspects have been apprehended and brought before the court in connection with the aforementioned substance.

DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo said that MDPV is a newly emerging synthetic stimulant classified under cathinones, manufactured using corrosive (harmful) chemicals.

“This drug has a rapid onset and heightened intoxicating effects compared to other narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine,” he said.

It has been noted that MDPV is often sold through online platforms and transported by various courier companies under deceptive labels such as bath salts, Ivory Wave, plant fertilizer, Vanilla Sky, and Energy.

Mr Lyimo made these remarks yesterday during a press briefing.

He mentioned that, through collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the Tanzania Forestry Services (TFS), they have managed to seize various narcotics, including 54,489.65 kilogrammes of cannabis, 10.3 kilogrammes of khat (mirungi), 90.93 grammes of heroin, and 1.98 grammes of cocaine.

Mr Lyimo said that the operation was conducted from February to March 2024 across several regions, including Shinyanga, Tabora, Iringa, Mbeya, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, resulting in the seizure of a staggering 54,506.663 kilogrammes of various narcotics and the destruction of 262 acres of cannabis farms.

Furthermore, DCEA has uncovered large-scale cannabis cultivation operations within the forest reserves of Ubangu in Shinyanga and Mabatini in Tabora.

According to him, criminal syndicates were found clearing forest areas for cannabis cultivation, adding that through collaborative efforts with TFS, these illicit plantations have been destroyed and the perpetrators have been apprehended.

This successful operation signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and substance abuse within Tanzania.

“The authorities remain vigilant and committed to combating this menace to safeguard public health and security, he said.