Increased efforts in the war against trafficking and trade in drugs have led to scarcity of heroin and cocaine in the country resulting in higher prices.
Transport Minister Dr Harrison Mwakyembe listens to a briefing on how detection equipment at the departure lounge of Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam works during a visit of the airport on Wednesday. The area is under closer scrutiny following the recent seizure of drugs worth about 11.4 billion/-. (Photo by Christopher Mfinanga)
The Head of Anti-Narcotics Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police Godfrey Nzowa said in Dar es Salaam that a recent survey which involved some users shows availability of the drugs has declined tremendously.
“We found out that the street price for the kilo of cocaine has gone up to 55m/- from 50m/- and that of heroin was also up to 50m/- from 45m/-,” he said.
Mr Nzowa noted that police were vigilant now more than ever before despite the fact that drug barons had also been devising new tricks.
“Drug barons have kept on coming with new tactics every other day but we are also well informed and determined to net all of them,” he stressed. He noted that as the war intensifies, drug barons have changed style. They are now using different packages and modes of transport, he added.
Mr Nzowa said they now use containers labelled as “Original Coffee”, “Sugar” and in some cases bottles marked as pure water. “Now that we have intensified security at airports, much heroin and cocaine is transported through waterways but we are also aware of that and we will leave no stone unturned,” he said.
Mr Nzowa noted that Tanzania has been working closely with neighbouring countries in a campaign to prevent drugs from reaching users. “All the drugs that we have seized here and those seized abroad is the result of cooperation. The problem is international,” he said.
Mr Nzowa noted further that efforts were being made to make sure that there are specific laws in place to deal with the drug war in a bid to increase seriousness in the fight. “Drug barons now have a big focus on transporting materials used to make cocaine instead of cocaine itself but we are also determined to seize such materials as well,” he observed.
Giving data of seizure of illicit drugs since January this year, Mr Nzowa noted that 32kilos of heroin have been seized where 44 individuals were linked, while 4kilos of cocaine have been seized and 18 individuals arrested. He added that 9,999 kilos of bhang were also impounded where 1478 suspects were arrested while 6628 kilos of khat were also seized and 532 suspects arrested.
Mr Nzowa noted further that 11 kilos of ephedrine were seized where one suspect was arrested while 283 acres of bhang were destroyed. Meanwhile, Mr Nzowa said that police have summoned and questioned the Legislator for Kinondoni, Mr Idd Azan over the ongoing rumours that he was involved in drug dealing.
“We have questioned Mr Azan and further investigations were underway, we will also ensure all other suspects are screened thoroughly,” he said.
In another development, the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director for Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Mr Moses Malaki said yesterday that JNIA is well equipped with modern machines to detect any dubious goods.
Mr Malaki noted that there has been a syndicate among machine operators and intelligence officers at the airport making it possible for drugs to be smuggled but various measures have been taken including handing over names of culprits to police.
Mr Malaki made the remarks following sudden visit of the Minister for Transport, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, at the airport on Wednesday morning. Dr Mwakyembe vowed a do or die in the fight against drug trafficking through airports.
By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO, Tanzania Daily News
