The Minister of Transport, Dr Harison Mwakyembe, has vowed to tighten screws in his ministry to make sure that drug dealers who use the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) as their gateway are arrested.
Minister for Transport, Harrison Mwakyembe
The Minister made the remark here on Monday during the commemoration of the International Youth Day, where he highlighted strategies taken by his ministry in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
“It is shameful for our international airport bearing the name of our father of the nation, Julius Nyerere, to be used in exporting drugs. It tarnishes the image of both our country and our father of the nation,” he said adding:
“At JNIA, we have four offices comprising that of police, immigration, airport authorities and that of the national security, I have urged them to give me a report on drug consignment in a few days and I want to know what they were doing when they let the drugs go through our airport,” he stressed.
He told all drug dealers in the country that he does not fear anybody when it comes to drug battles, adding that the business tarnishes the image of the country.He urged all airports in the country to make sure that they put in place strategies to catch all dealers who are exporting drugs through their airports.
“I urge all airports to make sure that they prevent all drug dealers by cooperating with other government organs,” he added.He urged both Christian and Muslim leaders to participate fully in building peace and tranquility and abstain from entertaining bad behaviour that will lead into conflicts.
He urged the youths to change their mindsets as a way of improving their economic activities and avoid to be used by political leaders for their benefit. JITAMBUE Foundation Director, who organised the event, Said Mwanahapa said his organisation organized the gathering to mark the International Youth Day with the aim of bringing youths together and discuss issues related to the country’s development.
“Our theme is, Defend Peace, Rescue the Next Generation. We have selected this theme as the country is faced with various incidents such as the acid attack in Zanzibar,” he said.
By NASHON KENNEDY, Tanzania Daily News
