Aretas James Lyimo, the commissioner general for the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) said at a press conference yesterday that the operation was conducted from December 5 and 23 in the two regions.
The seized drugs involve 2,180.29 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and 1001.7 kilogrammes of heroin, uncovered in Kigamboni, Ubungo and Kinondoni districts in Dar es Salaam and Iringa urban area.
“The seizure involves a huge consignment of drugs which has never been recorded in Tanzania’s history in the fight against drugs,” he said, asserting that those arrested belong to big networks of drug barons wanted by local and international law enforcement agencies.
The seized drugs were wrapped in packs of products like coffee and tea, a commonly used method to avoid detection, he said, explaining that while heroin which is manufactured from opium poppy mainly in Asia and America, methamphetamine is a new drug, “a very addictive stimulant same as cocaine.” Methamphetamine is an artificial stimulant that is highly addictive and can be injected, smoked, snorted or ingested orally, he said, describing the drug as entailing serious health effects to the user.
It leaves a lasting effect on the brain leading to loss of memory, while affecting the central nervous system, he said, affirming that if the drugs seized entered the market, upwards of 76m people in the country and in neighbouring states would have been affected.
The seizure has spared harmful effects to a section of manpower in the region that could have been affected by the drugs, he stated, urging the general public to enhance collaboration with the agency whenever they see signs of trafficking. They need to provide information about the business in drugs, as seizures are only possible with public involvement, he pursued, issuing a stern warning to those involved in trafficking, that the law enforcers are committed to ensure that Tanzania is free of drugs.
When conducting various operations, back in June DCEA reported seizing 200.5 kilogrammes of heroin and varied intoxicating drugs in a wave of inspections from March to June, arresting 109 suspects, including three foreigners.
Other drugs seized then include 978 bags of marijuana, methamphetamine (531.5grams) heroin (3,878 pellets) and cocaine (138 pellets).
DCEA also managed to destroy 1,093 acres of marijuana plants, in an operation conducted in association with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), he added.
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