Katavi police arrest 97 suspects in major operation

KATAVI: POLICE in Katavi Region have arrested 97 individuals allegedly for involvement in various criminal activities.

Acting Regional Police Commander Mr David Mutasya told journalists over the weekend that the arrests occurred last week as part of an ongoing police operation in the region.

Mr Mutasya revealed that 11 suspects were detained for committing various crimes, including murders and were currently under interrogation.

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Additionally, five suspects were apprehended with 18 pieces of elephant tusks and 26 pieces of wild animal carcasses.

The suspects were also found in possession of lion skin and pangolin scales, with their total value yet to be determined.

During the operation, police also arrested 38 individuals with 164 litres of illicit brew.

Two suspects were caught with three stolen cows valued at over 1.8m/-.

Furthermore, twelve people were taken into custody for possessing narcotic drugs, including marijuana.

All suspects are currently being interrogated and will be brought to court once investigations are complete.

The Acting Regional Police Commander noted that police seized several items during the operation, including two homemade firearms, a 32-inch TV set, 30 bags of cement, a solar panel and two motorcycles with registration numbers MC 979 DJR and MC 482 DVH.

Some of these items were used in criminal activities, while others were identified as stolen property.

Mr Mutasya urged the public to continue providing valuable information to help the police reduce crime in the region.