While MPs called on the government to name drug barons in public, the government has said that it has been receiving tip-offs on a number of members of the public, including some of the legislators being involved in drugs trafficking.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr William Lukuvi
The revelation emerged during Question Time in Parliament here yesterday when an MP wanted to be apprised on any action by the government to seriously deal with drug barons instead of chasing carriers only.
The issue of illicit drug trade dominated exchanges in the National Assembly a few days after two Tanzanian women were caught in South Africa with a consignment of illicit drugs worth 6.8bn/-.
In her main question, Special Seat MP Ms Catherine Magige (CCM) wanted the government to explain the magnitude of the drug problem and plans to strengthen inspection and tighten security at the entry points, particularly the airports.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Coordination, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs), Mr Wiliam Lukuvi, said the government has been receiving information on people suspected of connection with the drugs underworld but had to carry out thorough investigations before resorting to any legal action.
“We cannot mention suspects without clear evidence of them being involved in the business. For your information, even some of the MPs here are being mentioned but we cannot drag them to the legal organs until we get reasonable proof,” he said.
The question attracted other supplementary questions as MPs wanted to know where seized drugs are kept and whether they are destroyed, further demanding to know why the destruction exercises, if any, are being done secretly.
Ms Anne Kilango Malecela (Same East-CCM) wanted the government to mention names of the suspects in the House while Reverend Israel Natse (Karatu-CHADEMA) recalled that President Jakaya Kikwete had once said he has the list of the suspects. “I call upon the government to make them public now,’’ the MP pleaded.
Rev Natse, however, insisted that after the government has gathered all the evidence on the culprits, there will be no reason why they should not be mentioned in the House as per MPs request.
According to Mr Lukuvi, the government is processing a law that will specify drug disposal mechanisms as soon as the cases are determined in courts of law. The minister said under the new arrangement, a written notice and special clearance from the Chief Chemist will have to be obtained first. He assured the House of maximum transparency in destroying the drugs.
Giving statistics on the magnitude of the problem, Mr Lukuvi said between 2000 and last year, about 52,810 people were identified as being the masterminds behind the transportation of over 74,926 kilogrammes of various types of drugs, including 2,722.3 tonnes of bhang.
“The size of this business can also be weighed by the number of Tanzanians caught overseas in connection with drug trafficking. Records show that 247 Tanzanians were caught for the offence in various countries between 2000 and last year,” he said.
He also noted that about 31 foreigners were apprehended and remanded at Keko and Ukonga prisons, adding that already strict measures are in place, including installation of modern drug detection equipment at the airports to ensure faster and precise detection.
The issues has surfaced as various Tanzanians are held in different countries, including China and South Africa, in connection with involvement in the illicit trade, prompting the government to institute a number of measures to contain the situation.
Meanwhile OCHIENG OGWENO reports from Dar es Salaam that the international express and Logistics Company, DHL Express, has promised to work hand in hand with the government especially the customs authorities in curbing the problem of drug trafficking in Tanzania.
The Managing Director of DHL express Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Charles Brewer, said the company will continue to offer special training to its workers and install modern equipment at the airports to ensure safe transportation of its logistics across the borders.
“We as DHL have located X-ray machines, sniffing dogs and trained experts in the airports, not only to create security environment but also to ensure smooth flow of services across the Tanzanian borders,” said Brewer.
On the other hand, the Country Manager for DHL Express Tanzania, Mr Ahmed Abdi, said he is confident that with the acquisition of modern equipment and cooperation with the customs authority, drug trafficking will be tamed in Tanzania.
By PIUS RUGONZIBWA, Tanzania Daily News
