Dar es Salaam. The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized a total of 10,763.94 kilograms of various narcotic drugs and 6,007 kilograms and 153 liters of precursor chemicals during operations conducted across the country in September and October 2025.
According to Aretas James Lymo, the DCEA Commissioner General, 89 suspects were arrested in connection with these crimes.
Among the seizures was a consignment of 40.32 kilograms of dried khat (mirungi) found in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam, packaged and ready for export.
“In Kariakoo, we seized 40.32 kilograms of dried khat that had been processed and packaged like herbal medicine. The drugs were contained in 80 packets labeled ‘Dry Basil leaves’ and were ready to be shipped to Canada and Italy,” said Lymo.
The Commissioner General identified the suspects as Yusuphu Kibaha (35) and Mohamed Ramadhani (41).
“Investigations revealed that the narcotics had been smuggled into the country through concealed means from a neighboring country and were sent via a shipping company,” he added.
Further investigations uncovered a drug trafficking network that uses motorbike riders (bodaboda) and maintains close connections with shipping agents in Tanzania to facilitate the transportation and distribution of the drugs.
The DCEA continues its nationwide operations aimed at curbing the trafficking and export of illegal narcotics.
