Dar es Salaam – The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) of Tanzania has seized more than 10.7 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals and arrested 89 suspects in a nationwide operation conducted in September and October 2025.
This latest crackdown follows a massive seizure of over 33 tonnes of narcotics announced in early September, signalling an intensified and sustained effort by the government to combat drug trafficking.
DCEA’s Director General, Aretas James Lymo, announced in a press conference on October 21, 2025, that the recent operations yielded 10,763.94 kilogrammes of various drugs and 6,007 kilograms and 153 litres of precursor chemicals.
“In September and October 2025, the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) seized 10,763.94 kilogrammes of various types of drugs, along with 6,007 kilogrammes and 153 litres of precursor chemicals, in operations carried out in the country. Eighty-nine suspects were arrested in connection with these crimes,” said Mr Lymo.
One of the significant busts occurred in the bustling Kariakoo market area of Dar es Salaam, where authorities intercepted 40.32 kilogrammes of khat (also known as mirungi) cleverly disguised as spices. The dried khat was packaged in 80 packets labelled ‘Dry Basil leaves’ and was destined for Canada and Italy.
READ MORE: Tanzania Drug Enforcement Seizes Over 33 Tons of Narcotics in Major Crackdown
Two men, Yusuphu Kibaha, 35, and Mohamed Ramadhani, 41, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
“Investigative information has revealed that these drugs were smuggled into the country from a neighbouring country through concealment and were sent through a shipping company,” Mr Lymo explained.
He also revealed the existence of a trafficking network that “uses boda boda (motorcycle taxis) and builds close relationships with agents of shipping companies in Tanzania to facilitate the trafficking of drugs.”
In another incident in the Mlalakuwa area of Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, four university students were arrested for allegedly making cannabis-laced biscuits for a house party. The suspects, all aged 26, were found with 140 cannabis biscuits, eight rolls of cannabis, and nine packets of cannabis, totalling 2.858 kilogrammes.
This event has highlighted what authorities see as a growing trend of drug use among educated youth. The DCEA has issued a stern warning to young people to stay away from illicit drugs.
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These recent seizures are part of a broader, ongoing effort. In an operation that took place between July and September 2025, the DCEA seized over 33 tons of narcotics and arrested 940 suspects. That operation also led to the destruction of 64 acres of cannabis plantations and the confiscation of firearms and vehicles.
Tanzania has long been a significant transit point for illicit drugs, particularly heroin from Southwest Asia and cocaine from South America, due to its extensive and often unmonitored coastline.
The country also faces a growing domestic substance abuse problem, with an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 people who inject drugs. The government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been actively working to address the drug problem through law enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns.
The DCEA has reiterated its commitment to making Tanzania a drug-free nation. “The Authority continues to ensure Tanzania remains safe and free from the business and use of drugs,” a statement from the DCEA read, emphasising that legal action will be taken against anyone found to be involved in the drug trade.
