DCEA Impounds Bus Owned by MP Abood After Major Drug Seizure



The Tanzania Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized 101.2 kilograms of khat in Tabata Kibo, Dar es Salaam, after the drugs were discovered hidden inside a passenger bus.

Speaking on April 14, 2026, DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo said the consignment had been concealed in various compartments of the bus, including within its air conditioning (AC) system, in an attempt to evade detection.

The bus, a Yutong model belonging to Abood Company and registered as T 181 EMJ, was operating a route between Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam.

Five suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, including the driver, Ramadhan Mohamed (52), conductor Salma Sanga (26), and three others identified as Twahilu Athuman (38), Mohamedy Mikidadi (37), and Ibrahim Mohamed (39).

In a related operation in the Pwani Region, authorities seized an additional 419.09 kilograms of khat that was being transported to Dar es Salaam.

Lyimo explained that, under the law, those found in possession of illegal drugs are subject to arrest, which in this case included the driver and conductor. The bus has also been impounded pending further legal action.

Providing an overview of nationwide operations, DCEA reported that it seized a total of 1,983.31 kilograms of various narcotics, 3,012.5 kilograms and 17,960 litres of precursor chemicals, as well as 286 tablets and 1,001 bottles of controlled medicinal drugs.

Authorities also destroyed 55.5 acres of cannabis farms and arrested 77 suspects linked to drug-related offenses. Additionally, nine vehicles, 12 motorcycles, and one three-wheeler were confiscated during the operations.

According to Lyimo, data analysis shows a significant increase in the seizure of khat, which accounted for 1,267.12 kilograms—equivalent to 64 percent of all drugs seized during the period.

“This trend is due to the Authority’s strategic focus on rural drug operations after successfully curbing, to a large extent, networks dealing in industrial narcotics,” he said.

In Mwanza, 52 kilograms of khat were intercepted at the Magu roadblock and Mwanza South Port. The drugs were being transported in a Fuso truck (registration number T 296 APA), concealed among second-hand clothing bales.

The driver, identified as Hassan Hassan (37), a resident of Mahina in Nyamagana District, was arrested in connection with the incident.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Peace Is a Vital Resource for National Development, Must Be Protected – Mangu

Image
  Former Inspector General of Police in Tanzania, Ernest Mangu, has called on citizens to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and instead promote national unity, emphasizing that peace is a critical resource for the country’s development. Speaking in a special interview published by the Uhuru newspaper, Mangu warned that any signs of incitement or attempts to destabilize the nation should be condemned early, noting that the cost of losing peace is high and affects all sectors of the economy and social well-being. “We all have a responsibility to safeguard our peace. History shows that once peace is disrupted, the consequences are widespread, impacting the economy, investment, and people’s livelihoods,” he said. Mangu noted that Tanzania has built a strong reputation as a peaceful and stable country over the years, a factor that has helped attract investment and support social and economic activities. He stressed that these achievements must be protected and sustained through acc...
Read more

Treasury Registrar’s Office holds talks with Chinese Ambassador

Image
By the OTR Reporter Dar es Salaam. The Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) on Monday, May 18, 2026, held talks with the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, and her delegation in a meeting aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, investment, and reforms of state-owned enterprises. The discussions took place during a visit by Ambassador Mingjian and her delegation to the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) in Dar es Salaam. The meeting brought together the management of the OTR, led by Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu, and officials from the Chinese Embassy. The two sides discussed government investments, management of public companies, and strategic development projects. Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mchechu said the OTR is responsible for managing government investments in 308 entities and companies, out of which the government holds majority shares in 252. He noted that the total value of government investments in these entities stands at Sh92.3 trillion. He ...
Read more

Meteorological Update: TMA Forecasts Heavy Rains in Nine Regions Tomorrow

Image
  The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a weather advisory forecasting heavy rainfall across nine regions of the country tomorrow, as part of its ongoing seasonal outlook. According to TMA, the anticipated rainfall will be associated with strong winds and thunderstorms in several areas, particularly within the coastal belt and parts of the highlands. The agency noted that these weather conditions are driven by prevailing atmospheric instability and moisture influx over the region. Rainfall intensity is expected to be significant in the highlighted regions, raising the likelihood of localized flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Disruptions to transport and daily activities are also anticipated in areas that will experience prolonged downpours. TMA has urged the public to stay updated with official forecasts and advisories, and to take precautionary measures to reduce potential risks. Residents in vulnerable locations have been specifically advis...
Read more