BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has arrested 550 suspects and seized more than 8.4 tonnes of illicit drugs during a year-long crackdown across the Northern Zone.
The operation, carried out between July 2025 and June 2026, covered Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga and Manyara regions, where DCEA conducted 227 operations targeting drug trafficking, distribution and abuse.
According to figures released by DCEA in the Northern Zone, seized drugs included 5,417.26 kilogrammes of khat, commonly known as ‘mirungi’, 3,010.30 kilogrammes of cannabis and 14 grammes of heroin.
The figures were released in Arusha during celebrations to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, where officials, health experts and recovered addicts warned that substance abuse remained a serious threat to families, young people and the safety of communities.
Speaking at the event, Arusha District Commissioner (DC), Mr Joseph Mkude, described drugs as an enemy of peace, families and the country’s future. He called on members of the public to support the campaign against drug trafficking and abuse by reporting suspected dealers and protecting young people from falling into addiction.
Officials said drug abuse should not be treated only as a law enforcement issue, but also as a social and public health challenge. They warned that addiction could damage physical and mental health, disrupt education, weaken family relationships and expose young people to crime, exploitation and lost opportunities.
Arusha recorded the highest number of operations and arrests, with 121 operations leading to the arrest of 413 suspects and impounding 458.26 kilogrammes of khat and 2,977.03 kilogrammes of cannabis.
In Kilimanjaro, DCEA conducted 50 operations, arrested 72 suspects and seized 1,568.61 kilogrammes of khat and 13.02 kilogrammes of cannabis.
Tanga recorded 49 operations, during which 33 suspects were arrested. Officers seized 1,814.49 kilogrammes of khat, 20.25 kilogrammes of cannabis and 14 grams of heroin. Authorities also impounded 50 motorcycles allegedly used for transporting khat in the region.
In Manyara, seven operations led to the arrest of 32 suspects and the seizure of 575.90 kilogrammes of khat.
DCEA Northern Zone Social Welfare Officer, Ms Brenda Mbati, said the results were made possible through cooperation between the authority, security organs, public institutions and members of the public who provided information on suspected drug-related activities.
The human cost of drug abuse was also highlighted during the event, with recovered users sharing how addiction had damaged their education, families, livelihoods and social standing in society.
